Daughter of Harold and Ruby Belbin, sister of Harry Belbin
Determined, creative and an early feminist with a love for words and literature, Jeanne was loved as mum, nana, auntie and friend known for her discretion, resolutely high spirits and self-effacing stories.
Fascinated by the world around her throughout her life, she studied social work at the University of Edinburgh, later reading History of Art and Architecture at the University of Toronto in 2004.
Married to the love of her life Geoffrey in 1956, they moved to Toronto with their one-year-old daughter, Rosamund, followed soon after by daughters Louise and Katharine, both born in Canada. After returning to the U.K, Timothy was born and in 1966 they immigrated as a family to Canada where they lived a quiet, full life with friends and family, between Canada and the North York Moors, near where Jeanne grew up. She loved the landscape and the language. Jeanne and Geoff returned every summer to a house they had renovated together in Kirkbymoorside.
Predeceased by her devoted husband, Geoffrey Roy Parr Owen (March 21, 1931–May 23, 2025) and daughter Kate (March 31, 1963–February 1, 2024). Survived by children Rosamund (Jim Miller) and grandson, Lucas; Louise (Guuduniia La Boucan) and granddaughter Fynn; Tim (Claire Ironside) and grandson, Jack; grandson Sam and son-in-law Malcolm White. Also survived by Belbin and Boss nieces, nephews and their families.
