In Memory of L. Jean Fraser - First Baptist Church Halifax

We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the late L. Jean Fraser who died on October 22nd. A Memorial Service was held in First Baptist Church Halifax on Thursday, October 25th at 2 p.m.

FRASER, L. Jean - Halifax, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 21, 2007. Born on June 13, 1908, she was a daughter of the late Hon. J. Fred Fraser and Carrie Merrill (Sulis) Fraser (Halifax). In a life just shy of a century, Jean Fraser absolutely brimmed with enthusiasm, curiosity, zest, good cheer, and good will. Born in Halifax, she experienced first-hand many of the city's great events, from the Halifax Explosion to hurricane Juan. The attic of the family home on the corner of Coburg Road and LeMarchant Street served as a makeshift shelter for survivors of the explosion, and 70 years later, a doctor removed a shard of glass from above her eye, thought to have been there since the morning of December 6, 1917. Growing up in Halifax, Jean excelled at track and field, horseback riding at the Bengal Lancers, and, of course, music. A gifted musician, she studied violin in the 1930s in Berlin and the Juilliard in New York City. She returned to Nova Scotia, teaching first at Acadia University and then at the Maritime Conservatory of Music for many years. She helped shape talented violinists and formed enduring bonds with many of her students. Whether you knew her as "Aunt Jean", "Jeanie" or "Miss Fraser", a visit with her on Larch Street would infuse you with energy and happiness. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church. In her world, good manners still mattered. She was an inveterate writer of thank you cards, even at 99. She was an avid birder and a voracious reader. She loved Florentines from Scanway and lilacs from her backyard. She always wanted to learn new things. Family and friends knew not to disturb her during Jeopardy. She drove a car (quickly and not always smoothly) into her 90s. Her laughter - and she laughed well and often - was a combination of a purr and a giggle. She loved her family and she was adored in return. She sparkled. In a far-flung, many-tiered family, Jeanie was the connector, keeping the entire clan in touch through conversation or by publishing hand-crafted editions of the family newsletter known as The Fraser Bugle. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Barbara Fanning (the late Bryce), Dartmouth; Dr. Robert Fraser (Margie), Kentville; Joan Tregunno (Warren), Gretchen Gillis (Don), both of Halifax; Elizabeth Ferguson (the late Rev. Mark), Newport Landing; Peter Adams (Barb), Edmonton; Jack Adams (Marilyn), Sunshine Coast, B.C.; Dr. Fred Fraser (Kate), Hamilton, Ont.; Jim Fraser (Janice), Banff; and Anne Fraser (the late Murray Fraser), Victoria; many devoted grandnieces, great-nephews, and great-grandnieces and great great-nephews. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her brothers, J. Douglas, Cecil, Dr. F. Murray, Donald, and sister, Freda Adams. The body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, in First Baptist Church, Oxford Street, Halifax, Rev. John Boyd and Rev. Nelson Metcalfe officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Family flowers only. Memorial donations if desired may be made to the Maritime Conservatory of Music to establish a scholarship in her name.