Jeanne often mentioned that she was aiming to live as long as her Nana and Grandmother-In-Law, both of whom made it to their late 80s/early 90s. In the end Jeanne managed to reach that goal when she passed away on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 at the age of 86.

Born on May 8th, 1937, Jeanne came into this world towards the end of the great depression. This, in hindsight, might help explain the endless stores of plastic bags and an always overstuffed freezer. To be fair though it was a small freezer. Fortunately, while her family may not have been rich in money they had true wealth. Wealth that comes from a loving family and parents with a good dash of creativity.

Jeanne's father Edward MacDonald (1899 - 1964) was born in Scotland. After the death of his Mother he lived with family members until he ended up as a British home child. Edward was shipped off to southern Ontario where he lived on a farm through his teens and joined the army at 18. These opportunities allowed him to learn a wide variety of skills. Edward later met Jeanne's mother Lucy D'Argent (1902 - 1975). Lucy’s family arrived in May, 1912 on the liner Ascania from Southampton, England to Montreal, Canada then wrapped up the journey to Toronto on a train. Edward and Lucy were married on August 10th, 1929 at St. Leonard's Church, 25 Wanless Avenue.
Together Edward and Lucy made sure all of their children Doug (1932 - 1971), Jeanne, Peter and Kathy knew how to take care of themselves. Everyone learned how to cook, clean, fix things and how to improvise when necessary. Family outings often involved packing up Kathy's old baby carriage with lunch and supplies for a hike to the West Branch of the Don River or a spot in the woods for a campfire and lunch. Thanks to those outings the Don River is where Jeanne learned how to swim and yes, it was much cleaner back then. Jeanne was an active teen, being the first in the family to work for Parks and Rec as a Playground Supervisor. She also took judo lessons as a young adult which, as she often mentioned, helped her learn how to fall.

Jeanne met her husband Fred Salt (1938 – 1995) in her early 20s. Both of their fathers worked for Alcan Aluminum so when she brought Fred home to "meet the parents," he was already pre-approved. Toots (1908 - 1987) and Bert (1906 – 1988) Salt became an even more important part of Jeanne's life after her parents passed away. Jeanne always said she learned how to be a good Mother-In-Law thanks to her Mother-In-Law.

Jeanne and Fred also shared the connection of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, so camping and outdoor activities were second nature to them. They even lead their own Scout Troup after getting married on April 15th,1961, at St. Hilda’s Church in Toronto.

Quite a few years went by before Jeanne and Fred had children, so they kept busy with Scouting, work, and a plan to move to the new incorporated township of Bramalea. They bought a home in the "D Section" which was still under construction at the time.

This was also the point when Jeanne began her brief stint at breaking and entering. Since Jeanne had topped out at 5' 4" her small stature helped her squeeze through the front windows of quite a few houses on Dunblaine Crescent while everything was still under construction. This allowed Fred and Jeanne, plus quite a few neighbours, to keep track of the progress on their homes. Turns out it was a great way to meet their neighbours!

Although some family members lived further away from Bramalea and Toronto, all great places to visit and vacation, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles on both sides of the family lived close by. This includes quite a few in the newly completed “D Section” of Bramalea. When Jeanne and Fred’s children Robin and Dave came along they had a wonderful and well connected neighbourhood to grow up in. All thanks to close family and a little light trespassing.

As the years went by Jeanne held a few different administrative positions eventually being hired by the Peel District School Board. Jeanne got started at the Board’s head office, then continued at Bramalea Secondary School and finished up her career at North Park Secondary School. That Bramalea Secondary School though, yeah, that's where her kids went to High School. At the same time! It was both highly embarrassing, they were teenagers after all, and the greatest gift of support nearby (not just for a convenient ride home).

After Fred passed and once Jeanne retired, she kept herself busy with plenty of volunteer work. Guiding was still a big part of her life for many years with the Trefoil Guild. Another favourite volunteer activity involved Therapy Dogs. Throughout the years the family dogs were a breed called Great Pyrenes. Generally looking like big fluffy white St. Bernards. Tarken was first, then Suzy and finally Garfy. Jeanne and Garfy took Therapy Dog Training and together they visited senior's facilities throughout Brampton. Needless to say a friendly chatty lady and a big fluffy dog were always a big hit!

Moving to Grace Court Seniors Apartments almost a decade after retiring helped her meet a whole new community of friends. Walks with her (little dog!) Buddy, Bingo nights, all the special dinners, gatherings with the family and hanging out in the lounge chatting with neighbours, were once again some of her favourite activities.

It also turns out working for Parks and Recreation as a teenager became a tradition for the family and has been carried on by her children Robin and Dave, Daughter-In-Law Karen and grandchildren Julia and likely Grady when he turns 16.

Jeanne was a woman who loved her water ice cold and her tea barely beige. She enjoyed playing a good round of Bingo with her friends at Grace Court Apartments and watching HGTV. Her friends and family have always commented on her kindness and support. She will be greatly missed but leaves behind lasting memories of love, kindness and laughter.