Margaret Jean Gurney
May 13th, 1929 – October 31st, 2023
On Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 (Margaret) Jean Gurney (née: Batt) passed away with family by her side. The world dimmed for the countless people whose lives she touched through her kindness, love and joy that she shared with everyone. Jean’s life and her dedication to her family, friends, and career as a teacher made the world a better place.
She was predeceased by her husband, George in 2017; parents, Albert (Bert) and Jane (Jean) Batt; siblings: Doris (Cliff) Marsh, John (Ellen) Batt, Bill (Jean) Batt, and Jim Batt; father and mother-in-law, George and Elsie Gurney; Ken Gurney, Susan Gurney, Doug Ramm, Gladys (Jack) Wright, Jean (George) Donbroe, Elaine (Fred) Kozack, George McCallum, and Eileen Fischer. Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her daughter, Lovella (Ron) Jones of Regina, SK; son, George (Nancy) Gurney of Eyebrow, SK; grandchildren, Kevin and Ken, who were the light of her life; sister-in-law, Della Batt; brothers-in-law: Ron Gurney, Chuck (Marlene) Gurney, Herb Villness, and Ron Fischer; sisters-in-law: Beatrice Ramm, Joan McCallum, Merilyn (Bryan) Gatschene, and Lavina McKinnon; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins who cherished her dearly.
Jean was born on the Joe Wray Farm and attended school at Purplehill, Palestine and Oxbow, SK. Jean’s dedication to others shaped her 35 year career as a teacher that began at Mayflower, Coldridge, Carievale, Oxbow and Eyebrow, SK. As a role model, the guidance and example she gave her students through the virtues of gentleness, patience and love created lifelong bonds as her students grew to become adults.
Jean was a strong advocate for community involvement and that included volunteering for whatever sport or activity that Lovella and George were involved in. She later became involved with the Hospital Auxiliaries and looked forward to annual meetings and renewing friendships.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff at Wintergreen Estates, and the doctors and nursing staff in the Emergency and Ward 4B at the Pasqua Hospital.
At Jean’s request, a private family service will be held. Flowers are gratefully declined. The family kindly requests donations in memory of Jean be directed to Eyebrow Seniors c/o Village of Eyebrow, Box 159, Eyebrow, SK S0H 1L0. Cheques are to be made payable to the Village of Eyebrow, for a receipt or e-transfer to villageofeyebrow@sasktel.net. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
What a lovely person and wonderful teacher Jean was. I am so glad I got to know her when Jaymie and Maureen attended school in Eyebrow. My condolences to Lovella and George and families.
Jean was a dedicated teacher and a good friend to our family. I will miss our frequent telephone chats.
Sincere condolences to Lovella, George and families.
I was sad to hear of Jean’s passing. She was first my teacher and then a family friend. I have many fond memories of social occasions with Jean and George and my mom and dad. Condolences to Lovella and George and family.
Thank you Gloria,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom cherished the friendships she had with her students.
Lovella
Thank you Dorie,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom always enjoyed your phone calls.
Lovella
Thank you Bonnie,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences.
Lovella
Such a lovely and amazing teacher I had the pleasure of learning Algebra at Eyebrow High. Sad news and my prayers for the family and friends who will miss such a wonderful and beautiful heart.
Thank you Jacquie,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences.
Lovella
My condolences to you, Lovella and George, on the passing of your mother. Mrs. Gurney was the high school Math teacher during my four years at Eyebrow School. She was also involved with Drama Club and the graduation event. Your Dad was my curling coach at this time as well. His consumption of “Tums” at playoffs comes to mind. I appreciate your parents’ patience and voluntary time given over the years. May your happy family memories remain with you always.
Sincerely,
Janet (Medcalf) Donnelly
St. Albert, AB
Thank you Janet,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom’s students were important to her and she appreciated the friendships formed after school. Dad did manage to keep a package of Tums or 2 in his pockets didn’t he. He really enjoyed his role of coach and the accomplishments of his teams. We are celebrating them – back together again.
Lovella
Condolences to all your family Lovella.
Thank you Beth,
We appreciate your thoughts and condolences.
Lovella
I always thought very highly of Jean. She was a wonderful teacher and taught me and many of the Buckmaster children. It was always nice to have a visit with Jean over the many years after I was out of Eyebrow school. I thought of her often over the years when I was using the math skills she taught me as well as other skills. I will remember her with fondness.
Glenna and I send our sincere condolences to Lovella and George and families.
Thank you Currie and Glenna,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom’s students were very important to her and especially the relationships built after school. She was always so pleased when she’d meet or see one of her former students and get caught up on the events in their lives.
Lovella
Our condoiences to Lovella, George & Families. Jean was such a good friend to my mother and all of our family, always looked forward to reading her letters. She was so nice to speak to on the phone and would always ask about my family and share some news from Eyebrow. The Village was fortunate to have her as a teacher and a long time resident.
Thank you Bob,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom cherished her friendships and a good conversation over the phone certainly did the trick. It was always a highlight of her day! We miss her tremendously!
Lovella
Daryl and I are sending you all our deepest sympathy. Jean was one of Daryl’s first teachers and her love of teaching and encouraging her students are such a great legacy. I will remember kindness and friendship for our family. She and George were amazing supporters of the Eyebrow community. We will always remember her genuine interest in how we were all doing and we’ll miss her Christmas letter followed by a phone chat! She was someone who gave her best to all. We’ll remember her always. You will miss her so, but hope your memories will comfort you all.
Thank you Daryl and Mary Ellen,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom cherished her friendships and appreciated hearing from friends by letter, a phone call or even a chance meeting. You’re right, she genuinely cared about the people in her life. We were so fortunate to each have a special day with her before she left us. Ron was able to joke with her about a race around the ward and she countered with the staff not letting her get out of bed. She was able to visit with George, Nancy, Kevin and Ken. It was so important for her to have that opportunity and we were so happy to have that time with her. We miss her tremendously and will continue to celebrate her in our own ways.
Lovella
I graduated from EHS over fifty years ago and retired from teaching over seventeen years ago. Mrs. Gurney’s professional ,no-nonsense and enthusiastic approach to education ( especially in the areas of mathematics, algebra and geo-trig) was a positive influence second to none. For this I am profoundly indebted.
Respectfully,
Garnet Russell ( Vancouver, B.C. )
Thank you Garnet,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom would be smiling at your comment, from another ‘one’ of her students. She was so proud of her students and their accomplishments and cherished the friendships formed.
Lovella
Our Deepest Sympathy
Lovella, Ron , George, Nancy and Family on the passing of your
Mother.
Thank you Bryan and Merilyn,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences.
Lovella
To Lovella, George and families, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Mrs. Gurney was an amazing person. She entrusted me to babysit Lovella. She let me use her piano, when we didn’t have one, so I could take lessons. She and Mr. Gurney trekked all over Saskatchewan with our EHS curling. I have so many fond memories and will miss her Christmas letters. She never gave up on any of us and was always there as a great support. May she rest in peace.
Thank you Jackie,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. I never had a more wonderful babysitter! Mom cherished the friendships formed with her students and she genuinely cared for you. I’m sure that her and Dad are discussing the Riders (losing season), Blue Jays (the bats went cold) and curling (did you see that shot?). We miss her tremendously.
Lovella
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO LOVELLA, GEORGE AND THEIR FAMILIES ON JEAN’S PASSING. SHE TAUGHT ME IN GRADE TEN AT EHS AND AN ENJOYABLE YEAR IT WAS!. I WILL MISS OUR TELEPHONE VISITS AND XMAS LETTERS. OUR WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE FOR HAVING HAD CARING TEACHERS LIKE JEAN IN IT. NORMA (MACDONALD) MARTIN AND DON MARTIN.
Thank you Norma and Don,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences. Mom cherished her friendships and certainly enjoyed hearing from ‘one’ of her students. It might be a phone call, letter or a chance meeting but it just made her day. She genuinely cared for you! We miss her tremendously.
Lovella
My condolences to the family. She was a wonderful teacher and human being who had such a positive impact on her students and her community over the years. Thank you, Mrs. Gurney.
Thank you Connie,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences.
Lovella
Gloria [Sjoberg]Dickson
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing She was ssuch a lovely person never complained and was very good to my brother Terry
Thank you Gloria,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences
Lovella
Lovella and George, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. She was my math teacher in high school (I think she taught all my brothers and sisters too). I didn’t know that I liked math until your mom taught me. She was one of my favorite teachers.
Thank you Donna,
We appreciate your kind words and condolences.
Lovella