Obituary of Jeannette Runciman

Passed away suddenly, and tragically at the Brockville General Hospital on Thursday February 13th at the age of 77. Jeannette is survived by her loving husband Bob, and daughters Sue (Dave Thompson), and Robin (Francesca Vivona). Also surviving are sisters Corrie Kronemeyer (late John) and Maria Bax, as well as sisters-in-law Sherry Meilleur (late John) and Jane Laflair (late Frank), and brother in law Tom Runciman (Kristina). She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Iylish Flikweert, Cassandra and Nick Thompson, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by son Billy, parents Herman and Sibrigie Bax, sisters Annie Wolst (late Theo) Thona Terpstra (late Renze) and Gerdina Vanmeurs (Henk) and brothers Jake Bax (Ute) and Bob Bax (late Greet). Jeannette was born in Holland and emigrated to Canada at age 7 with her parents, 5 sisters and 2 brothers. The family settled on a small farm in Spring Valley, and Jeannette attended local schools, graduating from B.C.I. Jeannette was married to Bob for 56 years and was an integral part of his life in politics. A constant companion on Bob’s travels around the riding as MPP, and frequently representing him when he was in Toronto. Cutting ribbons and giving speeches were frequent occurrences for her, and with her outgoing personality and beautiful smile, she excelled at the role. Jeannette was an early environmentalist, working with local volunteers to collect recyclables prior to the installation of blueboxes, and she volunteered on Brockville clean-up crews for many years. She also volunteered as a teachers’ assistant at Commonwealth School. To her daughters Sue and Robin, she was their best friend and confidante, who was always there for them. Through difficult times she was a shoulder to lean on, and sometimes cry on, but for most of their lives, she was the center of fun and solid advice, the heart of the family. In the family and beyond, Jeannette was always known as the “Cat Lady”, and will be truly missed by loving cats Killer and Hissy, as well as Whitey, the stray she lovingly looked after. A life well lived, and gone too soon. Funeral services in the care of Barclay Funeral Home, are scheduled for 10:30am on Thursday February 20th, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church in Brockville. A reception will follow at the Brockville Country Club. As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church and/or the Leeds and Grenville OSPCA. Interment to take place at a later date.