Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jenny Evelyn ‘Jean’ was the youngest child of Johan Alfred Franson and Pernilla Erika Anderson. When she was three months old, her mother passed away. Lenny was then adopted and cared for by uncle Axel and aunt Marta Franson from Dubuc, Saskatchewan. She attended Round Lake School and later at the age of nineteen, on September 22, 1931, married Elof Johan Anderson, also of Dubuc. They had two daughters, Martha Helen and Alice Bernice. Elof and ]Jean farmed at the top of the Qu’Appelle Valley by Round Lake. In 1948 they built a spacious modern home on a beautifully landscaped yard where Jean loved to entertain. She was a “people person” and their overflowing guest books with glowing remarks attest to this. She was a member of the Freedhome Ladies Aid till 1970, when they sold the farm and moved to Stockholm for retirement. Here she joined the United Church Ladles Group. Going south to Fort Clark for winters and frequent travels to visit relatives in BC, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Minnesota rounded out her busy social schedule. On August 27, 1979, Elof passed away. Jean later met John Sawchuk, and they were married on ]une 14, 1982. They lived on Angus Street for a few years, then in 1993 moved to Westview Manor. In 2002, she became a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Care Home, Melville, SK. Jean had a great sense of humor. There was always a joke, a laugh or come back. She loved flowers, crafts, music, and dancing. Even when walking became too difficult for her, this petite lady was still able to dance, with a huge smile on her face. Over the years, a love of animals led her to have many pets. She passed away on October 6, 2012, just a few weeks short of her 100th birthday.
She was predeceased by her parents; first husband Elof; grandson Sid Burge; son-in law Stan; brothers Einar, Eric, George, Harold, and Arne; stepbrothers Edwin and Allan; sisters Clara, Anna, Ebba and Alfhilda. She is survived by husband John; daughters Martha (Fred) and Bernice; eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren; brother Bert; sister Edith; step brother Emil; many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Her blithe spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The funeral service was held on October 13 at the New Stockholm Lutheran Church in Stockholm with Rev. Susan Griffith officating. A tribute and words of remembrance were given by Dr. Lois Herperger. Interment took place in the Stockholm Village Cemetery.
