On July 8, 2026, a month shy of her 96th birthday, Jean Ellenora (McKellar) Dollar got her wish to begin her “long sleep”. She had not been well for the past year and was ready to be pain-free and at peace. Surrounded by her everloving and devoted family, there was laughter mixed with tears right up until the end.
When discussing her pending obituary, Jean commented she was not like other mothers and grandmothers who gardened and baked cookies. “What would you write?” she’d ask. “Jean’s Garden” was her family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances. The way she tended her “flowers and seedlings” would rival the best green-thumbs. Her “Cookies” were her kind words, and ability to listen. Jean greeted all she met with a sincere smile, a sing-song hello and little wave. She was genuinely interested in people – their names, family, careers, history. Her curious mind was always at work.
Left to share in wonderful memories of Jeannie, Mom, Buppa Jean/Grandma, and Aunt Jean are her loving and devoted husband, John, a man cherished by Jean for over 70 years; her three children and their partners, Margaret & Tim, Andrew & Deborah, and Robert & Lynn. Her much-loved grandchildren and their partners, Evan, Megan & Richard, Seamus & Grace, Elyse, Heather & Jackson, Keegan & Cheyanne and finally their great granddaughters, Emrie and Ayla. Jean was a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews in the extended McKellar and Dollar families.
Born in St. Thomas, Ontario on August 9, 1930, Jean is predeceased by her parents Dr. H. Ellar and Ellenora McKellar (Andrews). She was the youngest child of three, a little sister to the late Donald McKellar and the late Ian McKellar. She attended Wellington St. Public School, St. Thomas Collegiate Institute, and her favourite, Alma College. Her love of caring for others led to her career as a nurse, graduating from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing (London, ON) in 1953. Just after graduation, Jean saw handsome John Dollar, also from St. Thomas, at a friend’s wedding. John also noticed Jean and romance bloomed.
They were married in St. Thomas on a very hot August 20, 1955. John had just completed London Normal School and was starting his teaching career in Hamilton. After a few moves, Jean and John finally settled in Byron, Ontario in 1958 where they began to raise their family. A final move led them to Jean’s dream home on Regent St. in North London. This was the happy family home for 58 years. As a team, they raised the children, with Jean supporting John on his different business ventures, and his leaves to further his studies in education in Syracuse, NY and Ottawa. Jean hosted many reunions in her home, including her nursing class of ‘53 and her friends in the Women’s Canadian Club of London.
Jean worked part time at Western Counties Wing (Parkwood), NDMC in Ottawa and University Hospital, London. As a nurse she was caring and compassionate, always making sure her “old boys” (veterans) were comfortable.
Jean’s other love was her student years spent at, and her affiliation with Alma College. She filled various roles in her London Alma Alumni chapter, but was most proud of her tenure as International President of the Alumni during the school’s Centennial year in 1977. Her Alma friends and the college meant the world to her. As a trained singer, she was a member of the London Symphonic Chorus and her church choir. Jean sang at many weddings and had a collection of teacups to prove it.
Jean and John traveled extensively across Canada and the US – camping in the woods of Provincial and National Parks – their other “happy place”. Rock Lake, Algonquin was particularly special. During the ‘70s there were fun, family bonding vacations taken by the “$5” to the West and East coasts of Canada in the Coronation tent trailer. Jean loved camping with her family, always directing John to park the trailer in that perfect spot. Many wonderful family memories happened in canoes and around the campfires.
We would like to thank all the wonderful staff of Amica Dundas for creating such a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for Jean and John during these last three years. There are so many special staff to thank personally but Jean would not like to leave anyone out, so we will thank all of you collectively. We also thank Bayshore for their palliative support as well as Dr. Williams and the local MAID care team.
A gem under the heading “I’m not like other Mother & Grandmothers” – for years, Jean went to Red Pine Family Camp with Margaret & kids, participating in events and performing in the camper shows. If you listen closely, you will hear the voice of an angel singing Somewhere over the Rainbow… Safe journey over the rainbow, sweet Jean. See you on the other side.
In memory of Jean please greet everyone you meet with a smile and a welcoming “hello.” A celebration of life will be held at a later date.