MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Mary Janet “Jan” Gear (nee Cooper), born December 6, 1946 passed at Fairview Lodge, Whitby on May 27, 2024 at the age of 78.
Jan Gear, beloved wife of Jim Gear, loving mother of Liz (George), Robyn (Lawrence) and Andrew (Sarah). Meme and Middy to Liam, Cooper, Sally and Ava. Predeceased by her parents Ken and Jean Cooper and her brother John (1948-2009) survived by her sister Joan (Phil) Redwood.
Jan was a writer and editor in her early career and a dedicated executive for ClubLink for 14 years. She was Executive Assistant to the CEO and she was deeply respected by colleagues, peers and a mentor to many. All aspired to be just like Jan Gear.
Jan and Jim retired to Collingwood in 2010 and Jan volunteered on the Silver Glen Board of Directors from 2011-2019.
Jan was an animal lover and best friend to Cruise, Chinney, Bear, Tui, Taimen, Riley and June. Jan volunteered at the OSPCA and Georgian Triangle Humane Society for the love of dogs. Jan’s passion and empathy for animals ran deep.
Jan was a music and theatre supporter in Toronto and influenced the love of the arts in her children, grandchildren, and friends. Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables were at the top of her most loved list.
Jan and Jim were married in Cobourg Oct 20, 1973 and have enjoyed just over 50 years of marriage. Jan’s favorite place was anywhere her family was. 34 Back Bay Road on Georgian Bay became the families second home and the cottage provided 16 years of happiness, magic, fun, love and expansive joy.
Jan fought Lewy body dementia with bravery, strength and grace. If Jesus therefore shall make you free, Ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 9th from 2-5pm in Cobourg, Ontario at MacCoubrey Funeral Home 30 King St East. Please wear something red; red being Jan’s favorite colour.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jan’s name to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society or Alzheimer’s Society.
The family would like to thank Fairview Lodge for their compassionate care and love for Jan.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
Sorry for your loss, Jim. Take care.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ontario S.P.C.A.
Jan, Jim & their family have been good friends of our family since Newmarket days. We remember the fun ski trips & the exciting soccer tournaments. Jan will be missed dearly by all the Armstrongs.
Jim and family, so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences. Jean.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
My deepest condolences on the passing of Jan. I had the privilege and pleasure of working along side her at ClubLink. A wonderful warm caring woman. Be at peace Jan.
Dear Jim and Family, Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. May the happy memories you have of Jan give you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Thinking of you all. Neil and Andrea
Condolences to Jim, Robyn, Andrew, Liz and all the family. Jan was always fun to be around and we never failed to learn something new when with her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ontario S.P.C.A.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity: Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ontario S.P.C.A.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
Dear Mr. Gear, Robyn and Andrew, our family is very sorry to hear the news of the loss of Mrs. Gear. Sad to read that she suffered from the same illness that took my dad from us mere days after Jan’s passing. Strength and love be with us all during this difficult time. May their souls be free now. Much love.
Dear Jim, and Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that Jan will live in your hearts forever, but she will be missed every day. Wishing you love, strength and peace in the days ahead, and into the future. With kind regards, Vernon West and Jane Wicks
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
I fondly recall our days when a number of us were newly wed and families had been started. We were all struggling with new jobs and careers, and stressed by the responsibilities of parenthood. Jan always appeared to be happy and in control. She was such a nice person. I am very sorry for your loss , Jim.
So sorry to read of Jan’s passing.Thinking of you Joan and Jim at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ontario S.P.C.A.
Jim & Family Very sad to hear the news of Jan’s passing. Jan will always be remembered as a very special person. Thinking of you and your family as you deal with the loss of a loved one. Sincerely Liz Cochrane
Our sincere sympathy to Jim and family. We have fond memories as well of the "boat races" , when all of us were newly married and very young! Blessings to you during this sad time. May you be comforted by memories of happier times. Chester and Diane
Dear Jim and Family, Just prior to knowing of Jan’s passing, we were reminiscing about the great times we had on our winter rendezvous with you and Jan- the silly games, music and laughter with long time good friends from Cobourg. Our hearts are heavy for you but trust that Jan is now at peace. Our sincere condolences. Laurie and Bob
Jim, so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. Rob and I are thinking of you and your family.
Jim and family: we are so sorry to hear from Joan of Jan's passing. Many fond memories in years past of great times at the Cooper cottage on Rice Lake. Our sincerest condolences. Unfortunately we will not be able to join you at Jan's celebration of life on Sunday as we are currently travelling in Europe.
We have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. Gear/Jan and time spent with the Gear family. You're in our thoughts and we're sending much love during this time. Jeff, Amy, Ruby, and Rose
My condolences to Jim and family on the death of Jan. Although I haven’t seen you folks recently, I often think of the fun we used to have at the boat races years ago. May you find comfort in memories of Jan. Lynn WAllace
Dear Jim, I am thinking of you and your amazing family with great admiration and love. Your wife, mother, and meme/middy was devoted to you all and the wonderful life you shared together. Coop was my dear friend - our bond forged in Kindergarten. We were inseparable as we navigated our young lives growing up in Cobourg. Thankfully, time and distance later on did not diminish our friendship as we were always able to pick up where we left off. We were each others Maid of Honour, celebrated our babies together and met in Toronto for dinners, plays and concerts. We were also there for each other when our parents and brothers died.. A lifelong friend is a great blessing and so is having a wonderful family like yours. Be kind to yourselves now and let happy memories of her help you to heal and carry you forward….Love Always, Lynda
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ontario S.P.C.A.
Jim and Family We are very sad to hear of Jan’s passing. We have fond memories of Jan from when we lived in Newmarket, especially our times with you and Jan on the ski getaways. With our deepest sympathy.
Jim and family so sorry to hear of your loss.
Fond Memories of “Coop” in high school, beginning adult life in Toronto, ski trips to Quebec, Jim and Jan on Parkhurst Blvd, lunches at The Inn On The Park, Jan’s chuckle laugh, helping Jan negotiate the cottage… Jan was a wonderful person who loved her family and she will be missed.
She was a lovely woman. I enjoyed every encounter with her and her light will shine on in each of you. Thinking of you all during this difficult time ❤️
Jim, Robyn, and Andrew My memories of Jan and the entire Gear family run deep. There are too many fun and exciting times we had on Park Avenue, Newmarket, to mention. Wine and pizza on our front porch comes to mind along with many good times by your pool. Rest peacefully, Jan. Love Barb Rodgers
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
Our deepest condolences to Jim and all the family. There are things death cannot touch, and your love for Jan is one of them.
Our sincere sympathy to Jim and all the family. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you as we celebrate and remember what an amazing and special woman Jan has been.
My sincere sympathy to you, Jim, I have fond memories of you and all of the Gears from our years as neighbours.
Dear Jim and Family - With my sincere sympathy on Jan’s passing. May the wonderful memories of your life together help you through the sadness of her passing.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
To Jim and family our deepest condolences on the loss of Jan. We were classmates in high school and lived together in our early days in Toronto. She was a great lady who will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with you. Barb Matthews
So sorry for your loss. Jan lived a wonderful life and she will be missed greatly by all of you. Jim, remember both of you as we grew up. My sincere sympathy. Liz