Jessie Enge
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Jessie I. Enge (nee Hickerson), 89, at the Atikokan General Hospital on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
She was born in Fort Frances on April 30, 1928 to William and Helen Hickerson. Jessie began teaching in Dewart Township in 1948 upon receiving her credentials from the teachers college in Nipissing. She retired in 1995 after 46 years dedicated to her profession, having served the last 38 years in Atikokan, mostly at Hemlock Avenue School. Teaching primary students was not a job for her; it was a passion.
While working in Nelles Township and subsequently in Fort Frances from 1950 to 1953, Jessie met Melvin Enge. They married on August 25, 1956 and were inseparable throughout life, totally dedicated to and supportive of each other until his passing in July 2014.
In 1959 she and Melvin adopted sons William and Edward and forged a deeply bonded family unit. Besides teaching, Jessie enjoyed the out-of-doors and spent many years canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing. She shared this passion as well with her boys, her siblings, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as with a multitude of nieces and nephews who all miss her greatly. For over thirty years her camp at Eva Lake was also a special place for many.
Jessie was always a kind but firm, considerate, and inspirational educator. In 1989 she was the first recipient of the Frances Poleschuk Award recognizing her as the most outstanding Ontario Primary School Teacher. Her implementation of child-centered activity-based learning was decades ahead of the rest of the province. Jessie also served for a number of years on the executive of the Federation of Women Teachers Association of Ontario, serving some time as president.
Jessie is survived by her sons Bill (Linda) and Ed (Heather); brothers Horace (Fae) Hickerson, Bill Hickerson and Frank (Freida) Hickerson; sisters Florence Kemp, Donna (Willie) Opie and Lois Topping; sister-in-law -Mabel Hickerson; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; plus numerous brothers and sisters-in-law (members of the Enge and Mason clans) and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was pre-deceased by her parents William and Helen Hickerson; brother Edward Hickerson; sisters Irene Alex and Shirley Ford; daughter-in-law Lynn Enge; and by infant great-granddaughter Samantha.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in late May or early June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
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