We are heartbroken to share the news of Jean Ruth Middleton’s passing. She was the beloved wife of Frank T. Middleton for 38 years, and the devoted mother of Sarah (Luc) Middleton, Daniel (Erica) Middleton, and Rachel Middleton. She was also a proud grandmother to Hunter Middleton. Jean was the daughter of the late Robert and Lois Wardlaw, sister to Paul Wardlaw (Patricia), the late Mary Guscott (Mark/Deb), and Keith Wardlaw (Val), as well as sister-in-law to David Middleton (Trish), Katherine Skilton (Bob), and Deb Jelly (Paul). She will be missed dearly by her nieces and nephews.
Jean fought bravely against cancer until the end, showing remarkable strength and determination. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. While we mourn her loss, we are grateful for every moment we had with her. Known for her independence and strong spirit, Jean always welcomed others with open arms. Her laughter was contagious, and she enjoyed sharing jokes and stories. She focused on finding the good in people while building her life around faith, family, and community. Growing up on a dairy farm in Pine Grove (Vaughan), Ontario with her siblings Paul, Mary, and Keith along with their parents Rob and Lois shaped who she became. In 1970, they relocated to Cookstown next door to Lois’ brother George Faris where they continued farming together-there was never a dull moment! As kids, they knew to tell Dad about any pranks before Mom found out.
After finishing high school, Jean went on to study at Briercrest Bible College (BRE – ’81), University of Waterloo (BA – ’82), University of Western Ontario (B. Ed. – ’83), and Brock University (M. Ed ‘90). Her teaching career began in September ’83 at Park Avenue Christian Academy in Burlington where she discovered her passion for educating young minds. Later on, she worked within York Region District School Board teaching at Franklin Street P. S., Regency Acres P. S., Denne P. S., and Poplar Bank P. S. Each school held special memories for her but it was during her two decades at Poplar Bank that she truly felt like part of a larger family among staff members, students, and their families alike-especially during her illness when support poured in from them.
In 1985 Jean crossed paths with Frank Middleton at a church youth event thanks to encouragement from her brother Keith; this marked the beginning of their love story which culminated in marriage just three years later in 1988! Their relationship thrived on mutual respect filled with kindness sprinkled generously with laughter as Jean delighted in making Frank smile often through playful pranks they shared together over time while raising their three adopted children who brought much joy into their lives during trips camping or weekends spent relaxing by lakeside cottages.
Jean cherished being part of Grace Church’s Christian community where she built meaningful connections based around faith; contributing significantly through various roles such as teaching Kid’s Church or serving on its Day Care Board while participating regularly within small group Bible studies welcoming newcomers warmly into fellowship there too! Visitation services will take place Thursday July 16th from 2 p. m-4 p. m & 6:30 p. m-8:30 p. m @ Grace Church located at Newmarket(221 Carlson Dr Newmarket ON L3Y 3H4). A Celebration Of Life ceremony occurs Saturday July 18th @11AM also held here same address followed by interment scheduled later that afternoon promptly@3:30 PM inside Cookstown United Church Cemetery(5310 Simcoe County Road27, Cookstown ON L0L1L0). Instead of flowers please consider donating towards either Grace Church(Newmarket)or Canadian Cancer Society instead!
The service will be livestreamed for anyone unable attend physically-click here access livestream.
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