Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Jean Anne Cumming
1960 - 2022
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Bill Bogart posted a condolence
Saturday, May 28, 2022
John and Jean’s family -
Linda and I have just learned of Jean’s passing. We’ve been away.
We send deepest condolences.
I taught Jean at Windsor Law. She was remarkable from our first meeting.
We kept in touch always. Linda knew her, first, professionally and, then, as an inspiring friend.
We feel this as such a personal loss. Such a wonderful person and an exemplary lawyer/journalist.
Linda Bertoldi and Bill Bogart
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Richard Blanchard posted a condolence
Friday, May 27, 2022
Very sorry to learn of Jean's passing. My sincere condolences to her extended family. I grew up not far from Jean in Essa Township. Her parents and my parents were friendly over the decades. She was younger than me but I did get to know her better during her better during her days as a young lawyer in Barrie and during her dad's election campaigns. In later years, I would see her journalism and her always interesting Facebook posts. She is well remembered for her role as an editor for the township history in 2000. She will be missed.
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Stella Mercouris Derbish posted a condolence
Thursday, May 26, 2022
This is the hardest. And will be for a long time. My heart goes out to John and all of Jean's family and friends including Team Jean.
Over our forty-five years of friendship, Jean was ‘Jeannie mou’ (my Jeannie, in Greek because she was adopted almost immediately by my Greek family); ‘Rosebuddy’ (as her dad used to call her Rosebud); and most recently, 'Hyacinth’ (for her fierce resilience this past winter and for emerging gratefully this spring to feel the sunshine and always, always HOPE. Today, I realize I need to remember Jeannie as ‘Our Jeannie’ as she was loved and cherished by so many.
I was lucky enough to meet Jeannie in 1st year at university through Mary (Mercouris) who met her through Randy (Poulos). It didn’t take long for me to see she was brilliant, fun, kind, and so in love with life she sparkled.
Post undergraduate and graduate years, though Jeannie was a lawyer, writer, and an editor-in-chief with a long record of big and small achievements and big and small acts of kindness, for me, she was simply a true friend. Jean ‘stayed with me’ through my toughest times, checked in through the everyday times and genuinely celebrated my happiest times. Her relentless empathy for me (and others and humankind) were remarkable. I think this was because she had been through so much loss and hardship though you'd never know it.
I will forever feel very lucky to have had Jeannie as a friend.
I will miss her. I will remember her. And I will carry her light in me. Always.
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Mark Kostandoff lit a candle
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
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I was so saddened to hear of Jean's passing. We were very close, classmates in high school. She and I would talk, every time the teachers gave us work time, to discuss the weightiest issues of the day. Looking back, I was always on the wrong side of issues and Jean was on the correct one. Jean's mother Mayme was the organist at my church, Essa Road Presbyterian. But Jean was always and forever a capital U, United Church of Canada adherent, as well as a big L Liberal. I cherished the times I would visit Jean and her family on the farm in Ivy/Thornton. Bruce and Mayme would welcome me into the front room/parlour and we would begin talking about the politics of the day. Bruce had a penetrating, inquisitive mind which I suspect Jean inherited. I followed Jean to U of T, but to different colleges. While our lives diverged, we saw each other for a few more years until Jean headed off to law school. We saw each other occasionally over the years and kept in touch over Facebook.
I want to send my deepest condolences to John and all of Jean's family. Her's was a life which will always be remembered. Her celebration of life today, confirmed that Jean remained the same gentle, loving, soul, I have remembered for so many years. Jean always lit up a room. It was, perhaps, without irony that I saw Jean for the last time, at a funeral, in Cobourg, for another classmate from high school. Jean lit up the room that day, for me, and others, as she lit up the church service today, for all of us. Rest in peace Jean.
Mark Kostandoff
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Jill Grove posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jean's illness and passing. As I listened to people speak at her funeral and read some of the messages written in response to the news, I was struck by the great fondness and affection friends, family and colleagues had for Jean. What better testament to a life well-led? I hope her friends and family derive some comfort from this knowledge in this most challenging time. May her memory be a blessing.
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Stephen Messinger posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
My name is Stephen Messinger a former partner at both Goodman and Carr(34 years) and Minden Gross( 18years) . I had the honour of spending many hours in Jean’s company and we had a standing invitation to share tea and cookies every few months where we chatted about the legal profession and the seminars we did for Lexpert
She was always a fountain of knowledge and astute advice but more than that she was a caring person who will be sorely missed but never forgotten
May her memory bring comfort to all her family and May she rest in peace
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Julia Bennett posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Dear Jean, you will always burn bright. Incandescent humour, farm smarts, intellectually so strong and inquiring, it is Jean's ready laugh, skepticism and determination which punctuates memories of Annesley Hall at Victoria College, of work frustrations then triumphs, of her writing journey and relationship journey. No one more loyal, I think, or more realistic/hopeful at the same time. My sincerest condolences to all Jean's family and friends, and to John, who I never met but of whom Jean spoke so lovingly. I have every image of the paintings I sent her during the Jean's Team support period when she was so brave, and she often sent a heart or a response. It was a precious way of reconnecting that she gifted. Take care everyone. Julia Bennett and family.
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Serah Lefler lit a candle
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
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May the memories she left behind be celebrated and cherished.
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Neil Sternthal (Thomson Reuters) pledged to donate to Princess Margaret Hospital
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
In memory of Jean Cummings from her coworkers at Thomson Reuters. She will be greatly missed.
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Adrienne Woodyard lit a candle
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
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Jean was a true force of nature: so witty, stylish, generous, playful, and altogether fabulous. She will truly be missed.
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Alison Janzen pledged to donate to Princess Margaret Hospital
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
In memory of Jean Cumming, a highly respected and well-loved member of the legal community.
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Marcel Malfitano posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I was very sad to hear of Jean's passing. I met Jean back in 2013. She freely volunteered her time to talk to me and guide me through a transition period in my career. She was very helpful and inspiring. I will never forget her kindness and generosity. My deepest condolences to Jean's family.
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Rachel Francis posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I had the good fortune to work with Jean at Thomson Reuters. She was a gifted colleague and a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to her family, her loss must be difficult to bear.
Rachel Francis
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Phyllis Jacklin posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I'm so sorry that Jean's full and rich life has been cut short. I met Jeanie as a sister "Annesley Girl" in her first year at Victoria College, and it was quickly apparent that she was very smart and very fun! She taught me this song, which will always remind me of her indomitable spirit...Skinnamarinky dinky dink, skinnamarinky do, I love you...
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Phyllis Jacklin pledged to donate to Princess Margaret Hospital
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
My thoughts are with Jean's family and friends.
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Sandra Gardner posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
My condolences to Jean's family and friends. I am sure this has been a difficult loss. A few years ago Jean and I were members of the same book club where we often met in each others home for a meal and a meeting. I remember her intelligence, kindness and her sense of humour.
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Elizabeth Cordeau-Chatelain posted a condolence
Monday, May 23, 2022
So very sad to hear of Jean’s passing. An intelligent, warm and talented person, it was always a pleasure to work with Jean whenever the opportunity arose. Sincere condolences to Jean’s family and friends. The legal profession has lost an innovator and wonderful colleague.
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Tanya Walker posted a condolence
Sunday, May 22, 2022
She is missed. She was such a wonderful person and a advocate for equality.
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David J. Bilinsky posted a condolence
Sunday, May 22, 2022
So sad to hear of Jean's passing. She was my editor at one time and I was the beneficiary of a wonderful working relationship that she created between us. My condolences to all those who knew her and feel for her loss.
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Julius Melnitzer posted a condolence
Sunday, May 22, 2022
To the families of Jean and John,
Jean was my life partner for 12 years. During that time, and thereafter, there is hardly anyone I met in the legal profession or otherwise, for whom meeting or even speaking to Jean had not brightened their day, or often their life. Intelligence, wit, compassion, sincerity and integrity were not only her hallmarks, but the fundamentals of her life. When a life is lost, often a light goes out. Although Jean left us, too early and too tragically, her light merely passes, from her heart to ours.
Julius Melnitzer
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Mary posted a condolence
Sunday, May 22, 2022
It was never just Jean. It was always, “Our Jean,” or as her wonderful nieces and nephews referred to her, “My Jean.” It was as if we all wanted to claim Jean. Simply, we just wanted to be with her. Here was a kind and loving soul, with a great sense of humour, who showed up, literally and figuratively.
I live in Buffalo. We were talking on the phone and it was a very difficult time for me. She must have heard something in my voice because upon hanging up she decided to get in the car and drive to Buffalo. She probably felt that I needed a hug. Two hours later she knocked on the door only to find out I was in Toronto. We had a good laugh over that one! The next time I needed a pick me up, she made cookies and mailed them. I still have the tin.
Over the 4 decades , I loved watching her nurture that unique, quirky, brilliant complex spirit in herself and I adored her for nurturing the same in her friends and family. The conversations were always interesting, and sometimes very silly, and they tended to end the same way. That while this world is hard, messy, random, unfair and often heartbreaking it is stubbornly beautiful and worth living!
I thank you and love you Our Jean.
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)
e.e.cummings
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Kerry O'Reilly Wilks posted a condolence
Saturday, May 21, 2022
To John and Jean's families,
What an extraordinary loss to all. Jean was a formidable presence - an incredible champion of the legal profession and of women. May she rest in peace. Sending our love and strength to all of you.
Kerry O'Reilly Wilks & Lloyd Wilks
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Ian Holloway posted a condolence
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Please accept my sincerest condolences at your loss. My acquaintance with Jean began when she was my
Editor, but it soon evolved into a real friendship. I will always owe her a tremendous debt for all the kindness she showed me over so many years. We are all poorer for Jean’s passing.
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Heather Suttie posted a condolence
Saturday, May 21, 2022
To John and Jean’s family,
Please accept my condolences on your loss of Jean. Over the last 20 years, our lives crossed professionally and personally— through Lexpert where she was Editor-in-Chief and I contributed regular columns, and living in the same neighbourhood when we would cross paths on the street. Peace and blessing to Jean's loved ones and those she held most dear.
Neil Sternthal, Managing Director posted a condolence
Saturday, May 21, 2022
On behalf of my colleagues at Thomson Reuters, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Jean. She was a bold leader, a builder of the Lexpert brand and a skilled journalist. She will be deeply missed in the Thomson Reuters Canada and the Canadian Legal communities. Our deepest sympathies are extended to her entire family and know that her memory will live on with impact.
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Courtney Muir pledged to donate to Princess Margaret Hospital
Saturday, May 21, 2022
My deepest condolences. I am thinking of you during this difficult time, John.
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Cathy Cummings posted a condolence
Saturday, May 21, 2022
My sincerest condolences. May her memory be a blessing to her family and all who knew her!
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Anna Wood posted a condolence
Friday, May 20, 2022
Hugs to Jean’s family. I worked with Jean at Thomson's Reuter’s for many years. We were a group of people who created the Lexpert products so we worked with Jean very closely. She was a strong, professional lady with a beautiful heart and smile. She was kind and sweet to all that met her and will be missed by many that knew her at work. She truly was a inspiration to many and very talented in her field. Will miss you Jean. God bless you, you will be missed by many
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Stella and Bruce Deacon posted a condolence
Friday, May 20, 2022
Jean has been the best of friends for as long as we can remember, and we will miss her more than words can express. She was the friend who always showed up, usually carting food (sourdough starter anyone?), or a book, to share. The conversation flowed - and flowed - with great range, laughter and gusto. She was one with equal measure of brains and heart; somehow, they always worked in lovely tandem. She could converse with anyone, from the hoi polloi to the not so polloi…she had an ear for everyone, old and young. Deepest condolences to her family. Rest in peace dear friend, knowing your memory will forever be a blessing to us all.
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Betty Soares pledged to donate to Princess Margaret Hospital
Friday, May 20, 2022
Dear John,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Paige Brodie pledged to donate to Princess Margaret Hospital
Friday, May 20, 2022
Jean wished to pay forward the wonderful care she experienced. She continues to be a bright light.
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The family of Jean Anne Cumming uploaded a photo
Friday, May 20, 2022
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