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Jean Blanche (Burgher) Calkin

1923-2022

Jean Blanche (Burgher) Calkin

Born in Canning, Nova Scotia, May 7th, 1923, passed away August 5th, 2022 at the age of 99. Jean was the eldest daughter of Albert and Bessie (Lightfoot) Burgher. She attended schools in Habitant and Canning. In 1940 she married Arthur H. Calkin and resided on the Calkin Century Farm in West Black Rock, N.S., assisting in its operation for 74 years. Early in their marriage they also resided in Blomidon, Coldbrook, Granville Ferry, Bear River, Sandy Cove, Musquodoboit Harbour and Spry Harbour. Jean was an avid reader and composer of poetry and prose, many used for special occasions for family, friends, church and community. A devout Christian, Jean was a former member of Canning Baptist Church, a member of Black Rock United Baptist Church, charter member of Jolly Workers Sewing Circle, SEC’Y Treasurer of Black Rock Cemetery for 14 years, a member of Black Rock W.M.S. (holding the office of president for 13 terms) and a dominion and provincial life member of the W.M.S. She assisted in the formation of the Spiritual Life Group of the Black Rock Church (for the sole purpose of encouragement of the children and youth of the church, a cause dear to her heart); a former member of W.I.N.S.; a life member of The Sons of Temperance. Jean also sang in church choirs in Canning and Black Rock. Along with her husband, she also attended the Harbourville United Church.

Jean will be remembered for her fine needlework, especially knitted "crazy socks" and many quilts. Various churches and charitable organizations profited from her donations of crafts and baking. At the age of 12 she bought her cherished "Lone Ranger" guitar and enjoyed playing and singing at church, family and community gatherings. Jean was always a welcoming hostess with the tea pot ready on the wood range and the parting gifts of fresh produce, etc.

She will be remembered for all the children who knew and loved her for her organization and participation in their childhood games on the farm lawn (and the treats that always followed). Jean had a keen sense of humour and her storytelling, like her dad’s, was appreciated by all.

Jean is survived by daughter, Irene Calkin, and son, Herbert (Maryanne) Calkin; Grannie to Eidson Cogswell, Jennifer Calkin, Kristin (Jayce) Obrigewitsch, Megan (Adam) Gieni and Ian (Aidyn) Calkin; Great Grannie to Aaron Young, Ethan and Tayden Hill, Ainsley and Adalynn Obrigewitsch and Briar Calkin; Great-Great-Grannie to Rowan, Keighley and Lochlan Young. Also survived by brother William (Bill) Burgher and sister, Ruth Lloyd, and remembered as "Uncle Jean" by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband, Arthur H., beloved granddaughter, Shawna Cogswell Young, special little nephew, David Lloyd; brother-in-law, Ted Lloyd, and sisters-in-law, Isobel Burgher and Gwendolyn Burgher.

The funeral service (with a video webcast) will be held on Friday, August 12th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville with Rev. Don MacPherson officiating and burial at West Black Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. In considering the on-going concerns with the coronavirus, the family has requested that mask wearing be respected while at the funeral service. On behalf of the family, special thanks to the staff of Shannex Orchard Court and Valley Regional Hospital. Family flowers only, in lieu of flowers donations in memory may be made to the Berwick Food Bank or Shannex Orchard Court Recreation Department. For online condolences, inquiries or to view the webcast of the service, please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com

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Service Date
Friday, August 12, 2022
Service Time
2:00 p.m.
Service Location
White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Nova Scotia

Burial Location
West Black Rock Baptist Church Cemetery

Requested Charity
Berwick Food Bank or Shannex Orchard Court Recreation Department