Jean Hildur (Johnson) Fentie

Jean Hildur (Johnson) Fentie was born at Waterhole, AB on September 28, 1928.  It was the same year Waterhole moved to Fairview for railway access.  Before long, her parents Oscar and Marion Johnson, her sister Orah and baby Jean were on the move.  Jean was honored to be the first baby baptized at St. Paul’s United Church November, 1928 in Fairview.

Jean was raised in Fairview and completed her schooling.  Music was important to her as she enjoyed playing piano right from a young age into her nineties.  Upon graduation Jean trained as a registered nurse at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, AB.  Jean was proud of her profession and her nursing career.

Duncan and Jean Fentie eloped on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1953, in Swift Current, SK.  Soon the happy couple re-located to Fairview.  Together they raised their six sons:  Don, Dave, Clarey, Allen, Brian and Jim.

As the boys grew so did all the sports and activities.  Jean was one of the original “Minor Hockey Mothers” who started fundraising by operating the food booth.  She was known to cook huge pots of sloppy joe, transport it to the arena, work in the booth and then cheer on her boys in the stands.  Summers with the boys were spent camping and swimming at Green Island. 

Eventually, at some point, all the boys worked alongside their Dad at Fenties Fuel Service.  Jean looked after the monthly receivables for many, many years.

As they entered their retirement years Jean and Dunc enjoyed travel, spending time at Green Island and quality time with their many grandchildren.  Jean was a talented knitter and kept her hands busy creating sweaters, toques, mitts, etc. for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jean was a thoughtful, loving, devoted wife and mother.  Throughout her life her family was her greatest joy.  She was an exemplary cook and gardener.  Her kitchen often was filled with the aroma of fresh bread and buns, preserves, her famous Swedish bread and meatballs, along with cookies and treats for her grandchildren and anyone else who was lucky enough to stop by!

Jean enjoyed bowling in the league for many years and faithfully walking every morning (except Sundays!) with her lifelong friend Vera Kuntz. 

Jean was a valued member of St. Paul’s United Church, the Nurses Auxiliary and the Waterhole Oldtimers Association.

Jean passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at the Fairview Long Term Care Facility on June 14, 2025.  She was 96 years of age. 

Jean is survived by her sons:  Don (Dolores), Dave (Carol), Clarey (Chris), Brian (Sheryl), Jim (Rhonda) Fentie.  As well as 15 grandchildren ad 26 great grandchildren.

Predeceased by her husband Duncan Fentie, son Allen Fentie, sister Orah Carr and parents Oscar and Marion Johnson.

Funeral will take place Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s United Church.

Donations in memory of Jean Fentie may be made to St. Paul’s United Church PO Box 700 FAIRVIEW, AB  T0H 1L0 OR Fairview Harvest Lodge PO Box 579 FAIRVIEW, AB  T0H 1L0.

The family wishes to thank Dr.  Almanfoud, the staff at Fairview Harvest Lodge and the Fairview Long Term Care Facility, for the care and attention shown to our Mother.

Care entrusted to Kristi at Peace Valley Funeral Home, Fairview, AB.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jean Hildur (Johnson) Fentie, please visit our Tree Store.