CAIRNS, Jane “Jean” Cairns

After a life richly lived, Jean Abernethy Cairns passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on June 11, 2026, in her 100th year.

Born on September 19, 1926, in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, Jean’s life journey spanned nearly a century of remarkable change, adventure, creativity, faith, and most importantly, family. In 1956, she emigrated to Canada with her young family, first settling in Scarborough before making Ajax her home in the 1980s, where she became a valued member of the community she loved.

Jean was the beloved wife of David Wilson Cairns for more than 67 years until his passing in 2014. She was also lovingly welcomed into heaven by her cherished son, Thomas, who passed in 2021.

Jean will be missed and always remembered by her children John Cairns (Kay), Anne Collins (the late Rick), David Cairns (Georgia), Melissa Rudan (Robert) and dear family friend, Carol McConnell. She was the fun, creative, and deeply loved Nana of Andrew, Peter, Elisabeth, Alexander, Madelaine, Sarah, Eleni, and Nico, and was thrilled to welcome seven great-grandchildren into the family – Felix, Declan, Frederic, Addison, Oliver, Saoirse, and Freya. Family was always at the centre of Jean’s world, and she delighted in watching it grow through the generations.

An accomplished artist, Jean expressed her creativity through acrylic and watercolour painting and was a former member of the Ajax Creative Arts Club. She was also an avid gardener and former member of the Ajax Garden Club, finding joy in nurturing beauty wherever she could. Her faith was a guiding presence throughout her life, and she was a devoted member of St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church in Ajax. Jean was also a steadfast advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, championing everyone’s right to be valued and included.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church (St. Paul’s United Church Building), 65 Kings Crescent, Ajax. Private interment will take place at Pine Ridge Memorial Gardens following the service.