Jean Rita Fash

Fash, Jean Rita (née Valiquette)

Passed away peacefully, in her 98th year, at the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Jean was the beloved wife of the late Gerald "Jerry" Lester Fash throughout 42 years of marriage, cherished mother of Steven Raymond Fash (Lori Watts) and Michele Louise Fash (Andrew Bateman), and proud Nan to Christopher Steven Fash, Laura Christine Fash, and Tristan Michael Bateman.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Raymond ("Ray") Valiquette and Jerry Valiquette and his wife, Lorraine; and by her sisters, Carmela Fitzmorris (Larry) of St. Eustache and Elizabeth ("Betty") Graham-Erratt and her husbands, Dave and Fraser, of Rosemère.

Jean's extended family and many dear friends will deeply miss her wisdom, warmth, and the insight she gained through nearly a century of life.

Born in Gatineau Mills, Quebec, on December 6, 1927, Jean's early years were shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression. She spent much of her youth in Quebec City, where she attended school, began her career with Bell Canada, and married the love of her life.

Jean was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and the steadfast heart of a military family whose strength, resilience, and quiet grace shaped every chapter of their lives together. As the wife of a military officer throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, she embraced the challenges and opportunities of military life with remarkable determination. Frequent postings across Canada and overseas meant repeatedly leaving behind friends, building welcoming homes in unfamiliar places, and helping her family adapt to new communities with warmth, optimism, and unwavering support. Through every move, Jean provided the stability that allowed her husband to serve his country and her children to flourish.

In the 1970s, Jean and Jerry made Kentville, Nova Scotia their permanent home, where they built lasting friendships and became cherished members of the community. She generously volunteered at the Valley Regional Hospital and touched countless lives through her kindness and compassion. She was also a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for many years. Proud of her Irish heritage, she never missed an opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Nothing brought Jean greater joy than her three grandchildren. She was usually the first to jump on a toboggan, build a snowman, or start a spirited snowball fight on the wharf at Halls Harbour. Whether sharing family adventures or simply spending time together, she embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories. Their laughter, milestones, and accomplishments were among her greatest treasures.

Jean will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, generous heart, welcoming smile, exceptional skill in the kitchen, the lovely garden at her home and the love she shared so freely with family, friends, neighbours, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Her adventurous spirit never faded. In her seventies, she became an enthusiastic Volksmarcher and was likely the oldest member of her club to tackle the trails of Signal Hill and Cape Spear in Newfoundland and Labrador. Still seeking new adventures, she went whitewater rafting for the first time late in life. She was also an avid bridge player, a passionate and vocal supporter of her beloved Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, and an enthusiastic ambassador for her adopted province of Nova Scotia.

Jean's legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she enriched through her generosity, compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion to others.

In keeping with Jean's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation, or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.