Jenny Jean Rundle
It is with intense love, and a heavy heart, that our family say goodbye to a very extraordinary woman. Jean passed away suddenly, but peacefully on Friday October 4, 2013 at the Atikokan General Hospital with her family by her side.
Jenny Jean Miller was born in Timmins Ontario on May 23, 1935 to Katherine and Arthur Miller. She belonged to a large family where she and her siblings worked hard on their family farm. Jean attended some schooling and when old enough, ventured out on her own, leaving her home town of Timmins behind. Jean moved to Winnipeg to live with her older sister Agnes Yanisiew, husband Bill, and their children. During the mining boom Jean then moved with the Yanisiew family to Atikokan where she continued to live and support her sister in raising her children.
Jean secured employment at the Beanery restaurant located at the Atikokan train station, and it was there her entire life would soon be transformed. Jean met the love of her life, Monty, who diligently pursued her to go out on a date with him. “We heard it took a lot of persuading,” but Monty being the persistent fellow (Jean would say “I felt sorry for him”) she eventually agreed to allow him to escort her home, and into her life.
On February 18, 1961 Jenny Jean Miller married John Montgomery Rundle. Together they established roots within the community and a strong and loving foundation to start their own family. Jean became a mother to three daughters in the 1960s, and was blessed to reunite with her son in 1995.
While raising her family, Jean’s love for babies and young children was evident as she fostered many children throughout her parenting years; she loved every child as if they were her own and was highly recognized and respected by Family and Children’s Services for the unconditional love and warm atmosphere she and Monty created for the many babies and children who stayed with them for a brief period of time.
Jean’s passions in life were family, baking, canning, picking berries and wild mushrooms, fishing, hunting, and traveling the back roads of Northwestern Ontario with Monty. It was such a common occurrence when they did go exploring together, that their children often had a posse ready to go out looking for them, as their adventures ended up taking them in different directions. Therefore, when they did not return home at the designated hour, the kids always had the OPP on speed dial, and used the service on a few occasions.
Jean had amazing entrepreneur skills. In the 1990s Jean took much pride in owning and operating her busy food concessions, Jean’s Canteen, at the municipal arena and at White Street Ball Park. It also allowed her the opportunity to be with her grandchildren as they participated in their recreational activities.
Weekly card games were an adventure and a routine that was consistent with her entire family. Family friends were always invited to the game table.
One of Jean’s many joys in life was preparing festive dinners for her family. She made it perfect for every family member, and encouraged others to join the table for amazing food and conversation.
Jean is survived by the love of her life and best friend, Monty; dear daughters, Tammy Faykes (Ken), Christine Grant (Derek), Kim Campbell (Chris); son Chris Cano, (Chrissy); beloved grandchildren Jeanna, Kendra, and Brennen Faykes, Anya and Deena Grant, and Hayden and Halle Campbell. She is also survived by siblings, John Miller, George Miller, Tom Miller, Dan Miller and Ida McWhiter, and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was predeceased by her parents Kate and Arthur Miller, sisters Margaret Janes, Nora Elliott, Agnes Yanisiew, and brothers Billy, Alex, and Peter.
A celebration of her life with family and friends was held October 11 at the Royal Canadian Legion.
In Jeans memory, expressions of sympathy, donations can be respectively made to the Atikokan General Hospital, specifically stating: “Respitory Care in Memory of Jean Rundle.”
Forever in our hearts we will always treasure your love. We know you will be at every family gathering… forever.
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