Jean Middleton

It is with a mixture of grief and loss that we announce the passing of Jean Ruth Middleton, wife of Frank T. Middleton (38 years), mother of Sarah (Luc) Middleton, Daniel (Erica) Middleton and Rachel Middleton, grandmother to Hunter Middleton, daughter of the late Robert and Lois Wardlaw, sister to Paul Wardlaw (Patricia), the late Mary Guscott (Mark/Deb), and Keith Wardlaw (Val), sister-in-law to David Middleton (Trish), Katherine Skilton (Bob), and Deb Jelly (Paul). Beloved aunt and great aunt.

Her passing comes after a well-fought battle with cancer. She was a pillar of strength and determination right to the end, and passed peacefully, surrounded by love. We feel grief that she is gone too soon, but gratitude that we got to have her at all. Jean was an independent, determined character, always ready to extend hospitality and help to others. She loved to laugh and enjoyed a good prank or story. She looked for the positives in people, and built her life around faith, family and community. Jean grew up in Pine Grove (Vaughan), Ontario, on the Wardlaw’s dairy farm, with her siblings, Paul, Mary and Keith and her parents Rob and Lois. In 1970, the family moved to Cookstown to the farm beside Lois’ brother, George Faris where the family continues to farm. There was never a shortage of work and shenanigans on the farm. As kids, they learned to always tell dad first about the latest prank before mom found out. After high school, Jean attended Briercrest Bible College (BRE – ’81), University of Waterloo (BA – ’82), University of Western Ontario (B.Ed. – 83) and Brock University (M.Ed ‘ 90). She began her teaching career in Sept. ’83 at Park Avenue Christian Academy in Burlington, and developed a love for teaching adolescent students. She continued her career in York Region District School Board and taught at Franklin Street P.S., Regency Acres P.S., Denne P.S. and Poplar Bank P.S. She enjoyed each school, but the 20 years at Poplar Bank made this staff, families and students her extended family. During her illness, Jean appreciated the kindness, visits and support she received from her Poplar Bank family.

In 1985, Jean met the love of her life, Frank Middleton, when Jean’s brother, Keith, encouraged Jean to attend a church youth event at the Middleton’s home, and the two met. They began dating soon after and were married in 1988. Their relationship was filled with mutual respect, kindness and laughter. Jean enjoyed making Frank laugh and often played little pranks on him. They were fortunate to adopt 3 kids and created their family. The family travelled, camped and enjoyed time at the cottage.

Jean also felt blessed to have been part of the Christian community at Grace Church, where she found a spiritual family that she was able to form a deep, faith-based connection. She was active in this community by teaching Kid’s Church, being on the Grace Church Day Care Board of Directors, being a member of a small group Bible study, and welcoming newcomers to the church. Visitation will be held at Grace Church, Newmarket (221 Carlson Dr, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3H4) on Thursday July 16th from 2p.m-4p.m and 6:30p.m- 8:30p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Church, Newmarket (221 Carlson Ave, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3H4) on Saturday, July 18th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at 3:30p.m at the Cookstown United Church Cemetery (5310 Simcoe County Road 27, Cookstown ON L0L 1L0). In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Grace Church, Newmarket or the Canadian Cancer Society.

The service will be livestreamed for all those who cannot attend in person, click here to access the livestream.