Obituary of Jean Morland Skead

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Skead on June 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Durham, England, on July 4th, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Tommy and Jean (Morland) Tindale.  Jean leaves behind her sons; Andy Skead (Michelle) and David Skead (Glenda Gale); partner, Bevan Gallagher; grandchildren, Leah and Tommy Skead; sisters, Joan Snape (Jeremy) and Christine Tindale. Along with her immediate family, Jean is survived by a loving network of family and friends – each of whom will carry a piece of her light. In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill Skead, and beloved mother-in-law, June Skead.

At age 17, Jean began training as a nurse and midwife at Dryburn Hospital in Durham, England. When she completed the nursing program she was keen to see the world and left England chasing adventure in Canada. She emigrated to Vancouver for a short time and was somehow convinced to move to Pine Falls, Manitoba to start her nursing career.  Once in Pine Falls, she quickly crossed paths with a freshly minted RCMP constable from New Brunswick named Bill. Bill and Jean were married shortly thereafter and shared many an adventure as Bill's career took them to postings in Pine Falls, Saint John, Grand Manan, Fredericton, Regina, Yarmouth, and eventually back to Fredericton, with sons, Andy and David in tow.  Jean worked in various nursing positions along the way, primarily in Labour and Delivery. Her professional life was marked by skill and compassion along with a care and grace that was shared amongst all patients, regardless of their station in life.

A true ray of sunshine, Jeannie had a gift for forming deep, personal connections with those around her - patients, colleagues, friends, and family alike. Her energy was infectious, and her unconditional love touched the lives of everyone she met. One of her greatest joys was cooking for family and friends. She poured her heart into every meal she prepared, creating lasting memories around the table with those she cherished.  Jean's happy place was at the cottage at Robertson's Point on Grand Lake.  Never one to sit still for long, she could often be found baking cookies, working in the garden, swimming in the Lake and planning her next get together, all before 9 AM. Her boundless energy seemed chaotic at the time but would consistently result in the perfect meal, garden bed, or time spent with those she loved. Jean’s legacy is one of love, light, and a life lived generously.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for the kind and loving care that was given during Jean’s final days by Angie Hunter and the entire care team at Hospice Fredericton. Visitation will take place at McAdam's Funeral Home on Saturday, July 5th, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Fredericton or the charity of the donor’s choice

"May the roof above us never fall in, nor the friends gathered below never fall out."