Obituary of Jean Adelaide Marshall

MARSHALL, Jean - Age 89 of Drumlin Hills in Bridgewater, passed away on May 28, 2021 at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Born on August 9, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Harry Henry Eldridge and Nellie Mae (Porter) Eldridge.

Jean is survived by her children, David (Nancy) Marshall of Boutiliers Point; Anne (Peter) Freeman of Dartmouth; and Sheila (Tim) Davidson of Saint John. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her seven grandchildren, Amy (Borden) Scott, John Marshall, Matthew Marshall, Daniel Freeman, Mark (Beth) Freeman, Emily Davidson, and Martin Davidson. She was very fond of her five great-grandchildren, Daveney, Corinne, Elliott, Roland, and Linus. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Lois Eldridge of Fredericton and Abby Beaman of Kingston. Jean is predeceased by her husband, Joseph Furber Marshall (1992); brother, Reigh Eldridge (2017); and sister, Phyllis Jordan (2018).

Jean was known around the world for her soaring vocals. She began to sing at the age of two, and her powerful soprano voice took her from variety shows and appearances on the CBC to three decades as a travelling soloist with the Invitation to Live ministry. Jean inspired her listeners with her clear vibrato and expressive delivery, performing out of her deep wellspring of creativity, faith, and joy. She sang on every continent but Antartica—as Jean would say, “Not bad for a little girl from Yarmouth.” Jean’s love for her friends and family was as true as her voice—and she had a mischievous sense of fun. She loved to dress for Hallowe’en, one year as a menacing Rosie the Riveter. She and Furber also enjoyed participating in tourism activities in full loyalist costume—crafted by Jean by hand. Her contagious laughter was a staple of social events and family gatherings. Jean shone wherever she went. Her vivacity, musicality, and generosity of spirit are gifts her friends and family carry forward in her memory. She will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held 11 a.m., Monday, August 23 in Bridgewater Baptist Church.  Due do COVID-19 distancing regulations, seating will be limited.  To register, please email erica@bridgewaterbaptist.com.   In her memory, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be shared by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com