Obituary of Jeannette Jonah

We are grateful and enriched for the life of Jeannette Marguerite Jonah who passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John, NB, on August 30, 1943, she was the daughter of the late K. Lee and Mildred E. (Wilson) Cogswell.

Jeannette is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Doug Jonah of Hampton, NB; children: Keith Jonah (Julie) of Toronto, ON, Karen Jonah-Brown (Stewart) of Belleisle Creek, NB and Kyla Jonah-Hourihan (Anthony) of Kingston, NB; grandchildren: Calista & Aidan Jonah, Marshall (Ashley) & Chelsey (Jonathon) Brown, and Kaitlin & Siobhan Hourihan; great grandchildren: Hailey Muggeridge and Grayson Brown; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her parents, Jeannette was predeceased by her brother Kenneth Cogswell (Judy).

She attended Saint John Vocational School where she met and married her high school sweetheart Douglas on December 29, 1961. Her first job was as an administrative assistant for an insurance company and once they started their family, she stayed at home and took in Boarders who came for work in the city and who quickly became part of our family. Eventually they moved to the country, settling in the “Moosehorn” in Norton in the early 1970s. Jeannette drove a conveyance van for the School District and then graduated to a “big” bus, which she drove until her retirement.

Mom has always been full of energy and a strong community supporter. She was involved in everything and knew everybody. She was always involved in the local United Churches, Silver Falls Saint John, St. Paul’s Sussex, and most recently Hampton United and was an active UCW member. She was a busy Sussex Kiwanian, always selling tickets or promoting an event and served on the Norton Village Council for many terms. She and Dad enjoyed their many 4-wheeler trips and were active members of the Sussex ATV Club. She was a dedicated member of the Norton TOPS group and succeeded in being a KOPS. To say she was an avid exerciser and promoter of senior’s fitness is probably an understatement. She’s always been a “mover & a shaker” and inspired, motivated or maybe even pushed (lol) everyone to get moving! Getting her daily “steps” in was her goal!! She loved doing Aqua fitness, Zumba, and fitness classes in Sussex, Belleisle, Norton, and Hampton and was well known to the Sussex & Area Senior’s Centre, Hampton Seniors Resource Centre and Belleisle Valley Seniors Active Living Group.

Jeannette loved and was so proud of her grandchildren. She was always interested, and involved in all their activities and would make sure they were on her agenda.  Sleepovers, pool parties, going to the movies, pretending to be pirates were just a few of the fun things they did.  “Nanny J” was always up for an adventure! She loved her cat Slinky and always watched and fed the birds (which was entertainment for Slinky).  She lived life to the fullest and had many wonderful friends.  Always eager to support and encourage others with her positivity and planning skills. Mom enjoyed travelling, campfires, combing the beach with sand between her toes and enjoying a spritzer at their trailer in St Martins. 

“LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE” was one of her favorite mottos and she lived by it.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, where visitation will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11:00AM from Hampton United Church, Hampton, NB, with a reception to follow at the church. In honour of Jeannette and her passion for fitness, we invite anyone who would like, to wear their sneakers to the visitation and/or funeral. A Private Interment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery, Saint John, NB.

Donations in memory of Jeannette may be made to the Hampton United Church, Sussex Kiwanis Club or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com