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Cover photo for Jean Marie Kell Doan (nee Sholds)'s Obituary

Jean Marie Kell Doan (nee Sholds)

d. December 28, 2023

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Funeral Service

Kanata United Church

Saturday, January 6, 2024

3:00 - 4:30 pm (Eastern time)

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Jean Marie Kell Doan (nee Sholds)

On December 28 at the Ottawa Heart Institute, surrounded by her children, shortly after her 94th birthday.

Beloved wife of the late George S. Kell and the late James R. Doan. Loving mother of Dave Kell (Helene), Patricia Kell (John Rasmussen) and John S. Kell (Laura). Doting grandma to Emery and Nick, Zachary and Alexander, and Hunter, Arden and Jordan. She is also survived by Jim’s children Heather (Paul Sartori), Roslyn (Mark Watters), Catherine (Ari Niemi) and Brian Doan (Heather), and their children and grandchildren. Predeceased by her dear sister, Anne Senior, she will be missed by Anne’s children Karen (Rob Vannier), Russ Senior and Casey Kieran, and by many in her extended Kell, Doan and Kennedy families.

Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, to Ellen Hamilton Kennedy and Russell John Sholds, and raised in Lunenburg, Jean earned a BA in English from Acadia University with a diploma in Secretarial Science. As a young adult, she moved to Ottawa, primarily working for the Exchequer Court. She married George Kell in 1960 and together they raised their three children until George’s untimely death in 1983. These were happy years of family, Discussion Group, cross country skiing, china painting and artistic welding.

Following George’s death, Jean returned to work at the court (now the Federal Court) as a legal researcher and completed a second BA in Law at Carleton University. In 1995, she married Jim Doan and moved to the country, where they made a wonderful life in retirement. Jim died in 2014.

In her last decade, Jean moved to Kanata and recreated her life once again with new and old friends, church work, community events, and enjoying her family. Jean was a lifelong member of the United Church and made many lasting friendships singing in various choirs.

Jean was a person who always saw the positive in life. Her optimistic attitude and generous love buttressed her through difficult times and were an encouragement and support to those around her. Her heart gave out but her love never did.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 3pm at Kanata United Church and will be live streamed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lunenburg Academy Foundation or a charity of your choice.