Remembering Jean

Some memorable moments and comments from Jean (nee Whittaker) Rhode Mahn's funeral:

Jean was buried with her husbands' love letters. Only one other person had ever been allowed to read them: her caregiver Wendy, who would read them aloud to Jean.

Joel Rudy:

Jean was a storyteller. "We'll never know if all those stories were true, but they were sure interesting!"

"Jean talked about Briercrest incessantly. That was her life--and Moose Jaw. I did promise one thing: that I would bring her home."

Loved her smile.

It was very important for Jean to have devotions every evening. When she couldn't read them herself, someone else would read them to her.

She was notorious for introducing herself as "Jean Rohde Mahn, Presbyterian, Republican." She introduced her dog, Muffy, the same way.

Jean had very particular tastes, especially Lord and Taylor clothing.

After Jean's second husband Bob proposed, his friend Joel asked, "Are you sure you wan tto marry this woman? She's going to be in charge." Bob replied, "I know."

All four of her caregivers and Joel gathered on the night of Jean's passing. It was a very touching moment as Muffy, her loving dog, licked her hand and said good-bye.

Dwayne Uglem, President, Briercrest College & Seminary:

"She and her family gave us so much zest for life, energy, and enthusiasm."

Like the children of so many founders, Jean was required to set aside so much in this life.

Jean was eager to go places and see things. She had a month-long honeymoon that took her to so many places in Europe.

Jean's Bible surfaced in a remarkable set of events the week of her death. It would have been the Bible she used in her 20s in college. On the title page was a list of special passages:

Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Exodus 34:6
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Romans 15:3
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Hebrews 2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

A remarkable collection of promises. This is our God, this is the God that the Whittakers so eagerly wanted to introduce to Briercrest, to Saskatchewan, to Canada, and to the world.