In her 90th year, Jean Stranks (nee Bell) passed peacefully at Central Place in Owen Sound, on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Beloved wife of 67 years to Alvin Stranks, who predeceased her in July of this year. Loving mother of Jim (Cheryl) of Bognor, Dave (Deb) of Lucan, and Jane Warner of Owen Sound. Proud “Nana” of Sam (Candace), Ed (Kate), Mackenzie (Cam), Mike (Melissa), Kiah, Matt (Amber), Patrick (Miriam), Liam (Melissa), Josh (Sydney), Paige (Ryan), and Emily, and blessed great-grandmother of 15. Survived by her dear sister Margaret Kuglin (Tom) and sister-in-law Pat Bell. Jean was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Robert Bell, and brother Robert Bell. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in the community.

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Jean was the heart of her home, the keeper of memories, the maker of traditions, and the steady, joyful centre of a wide and loving circle. Jean’s childhood began in Toronto during the Second World War, before her family moved to Owen Sound—the area she would call home for the rest of her long and full life. From an early age, she was curious, bright, and endlessly interested in the stories of others. That love of people stayed with her always. 

 

She built an inspiring and varied career in nursing, defined by her determination, leadership, and compassion. Jean was a true “go-getter.” She continued learning throughout her life - even tried the bagpipes! She taught nursing and even established and ran the nursing department when Lee Manor opened in Owen Sound. Later, she set up and ran a retirement home in Chatsworth. Her nursing students adored her, and many stayed in touch with her for years—proof of the impact she had as both caregiver and teacher.

 

Family was the heartbeat of Jean’s world. She loved exploring family history, keeping stories alive, passing down traditions, and ensuring every birthday and anniversary was remembered. She was a devoted sister, a caring daughter, and a deeply involved aunt. She organized gatherings, kept relatives connected, and made sure no one ever felt far away.

 

Jean had a special, unwavering love for her grandchildren. She showed up for every tournament, play, graduation, and performance she possibly could. She encouraged their dreams—large and small—and delighted in every minute she spent with them. She told people often how much joy they brought her. She also created beautiful handmade treasures for them: pajamas, dolls’ clothes, knitted blanket-and-hat sets meant to be passed down to future generations. These pieces of her love will continue warming the family for decades to come, along with her classic pancake recipe.

 

Jean was known for her hospitality—effortless, open, and full of heart. She never hesitated to add another plate to the table for someone dropping in halfway through dinner. She wrote thoughtful letters, cards, emails, and texts. She made sure to stay connected with her nursing classmates for almost seventy years. She even ran a girls’ camp and a tennis camp one summer in her home for her grandchildren and other kids in the family, and she managed the Owen Sound girls lacrosse team for a number of years. 

 

Jean enjoyed travel, reading, and conquering word games with skill and joy — Scrabble was practically a member of the family. 

 

Jean’s home—and her life—were built around faith in her Saviour, a faith that shaped her kindness and sustained her through every season. She enjoyed her Bible study meetings with both longtime friends and new ones, finding comfort and community in those gatherings.

 

Perhaps most of all, Jean was a natural leader, the kind who didn’t need recognition to make a difference. She created systems, plans, and structure. She delegated, encouraged, and guided others with gentle confidence. She helped people grow. She brought people together. She was, in every sense, a true matriarch of the family.

 

Jean loved deeply and without reserve. She had an endless supply of unconditional love for her family and all who were lucky enough to be gathered into her circle. She showed up. She cared. She connected. She created a legacy not of things, but of people—people who are better, stronger, and more loving because she was in their lives.

 

Today, we remember Jean with full hearts. We will miss her stories, her laughter, her determination, her warmth, and the way she always seemed to know everyone—and remember everything. But we carry her forward in our memories, in our traditions, and in the love she planted so generously in each of us. 

May she be at peace. And may we honour her by loving one another as she loved us.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, November 21 at 12:00pm with a visitation 1 hour prior. Officiated by Pastor Andrew Versteeg. Friends are invited to stay for lunch and fellowship after the service. Interment to follow at Mount Zion Cemetery, Holland Centre. If desired, donations to Safe n' Sound or the Owen Sound Crisis Pregnancy Centre would be appreciated by the family. The family wish to express their sincere thanks to Brenda McEachern for her loving, personal care of Jean, and gratitude to the Central Place staff. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com