Obituary of Jean MacLean

It is with great sadness that the family of Jean Marie MacLean announces her sudden passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 73.

Jean was born and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the daughter of the late Murray and Winnifred (MacDonald) MacLean. Although she called many places throughout North America and Europe home during her adult life, she always held her Cape Breton roots close to her heart.

Jean leaves behind her heartbroken children: Melanie LeVatte (Aaron Patriquin), Nicolas LeVatte, and Bracken Pothier (Claude); and her beloved grandchildren, whom she adored, Hailey and Chase Fitzgerald and Cedella Pothier. She will also be deeply missed by her loyal furry companion, Piper. Jean is survived by her sister, Ina Green; her sister-in-law, Madelyn MacLean; and many extended family members, including cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as a wide circle of cherished friends. In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her beloved brother, Banks MacLean; a brother in infancy; and her brother-in-law, John Green.

In her youth, Jean graduated from Riverview High School and went on to earn her Business Diploma from Cape Breton Business College, beginning her career with CN Railway. She later pursued her passion for helping others, earning a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina. Jean went on to support troubled youth in group homes and worked with psychiatric patients at the Nova Scotia Hospital. She concluded her career in Fredericton, NB, where she owned and operated Bracken’s Riding Stables.

While Jean found fulfillment in her work, her greatest joy was her family. She had a remarkable gift for making every birthday and holiday feel magical and memorable. She loved to travel and embraced many hobbies over the years, including photography, skiing, golfing, and stained glass making. Her United Church faith remained a quiet and steady presence throughout her life. Jean also had a talent for connecting with others—her children often joked that a simple trip to the mall would take twice as long, as she stopped every few steps to chat with someone she knew. In her later years, she found great comfort and companionship in the close-knit community of friends in her apartment complex.

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Her children will honour her memory by returning her ashes to her beloved Cape Breton.

For those who wish, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Bethany’s Hope Foundation, supporting research and treatment of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy in honour of her granddaughter Hailey, or to Hospice Fredericton in memory of her dear friend Debbie, who passed in their care in 2018.