Jean Brotzell
1928 ~ 2018

Mrs. Jean Elizabeth Brotzell, beloved wife of the late Mr. Arthur Brotzell, passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at the age of 90 years. Jean Elizabeth Brotzell (McConnell) was born on February 27, 1928, on S 12 -30 – 20 W3. She was the youngest of five children born to Duncan and Margaret McConnell. She grew up on the farm and her favourite horse was Dolly. She rode to and from the Denehurst School, spent a year in high school in Arrow River Manitoba while living with her Aunt Rhoda O’Calahan and her family. She had many fond memories of this part of her youth. Jean finished high school in Brock Saskatchewan. Jean worked as a telephone operator in Saskatoon, Kindersley and Calgary. Her favourite job was with the CIBC bank in Calgary. Calgary is where she met a young soldier, Arthur Brotzell , in 1950. After a whirlwind courtship the two married on July 26, 1951 at Currie Barracks. In September, Art shipped out with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse to serve in the Korean War. While he was there, their first child, a daughter, was born. Jean Margaret May arrived on June 20, 1952. Art returned from the war in 1953. The next chapter began a farming career in and around Brock, Saskatchewan. This chapter also included the birth of six more children; Arthur, Clark, Patricia, Wendy, Deborah and Lisa. Raising a family, mixed farming and creating a business together was Art and Jean’s biggest and most proud accomplishments. Jean was the CFO, a homemaker who loved baking, needlework, politics and staying connected with friends and family members. The travelling done in Canada and stateside promoting Brotzell Enterprises with family members created many fond memories Jean referred to often. In 1994, Art and Jean moved to Redcliff, Alberta to start the next chapter with retirement, milder winters and connecting with new friends. They enjoyed camping in their Airstream and seeing various parts of Alberta. The love of talk radio and national and provincial politics was something that Jean thrived on. She had specific beliefs and understandings that shaped her opinion which was always thought provoking. Jean often helped others navigate government bureaucracies using her knowledge and writing skills to achieve positive outcomes. Jean appreciated nature whether it was houseplants, flowers, the deer and rabbits that visited the yard or the beauty of a sunrise, sunset, rainstorm, or a sun dog. She was in awe of the power a baby holds and loved to snuggle one when given the opportunity. Connecting with her grandchildren to share how their lives were moving along and offering sage advice to the next generation was important to her. She truly missed her partner of 60+ years when Art passed in 2013. She was predeceased by her husband Art, eldest son Arthur, her parents and siblings: Elsie, Maude, Sidney and Ina. Her legacy will be continued through her remaining 6 children, 10 grandsons, 5 granddaughters and 7 great-grandchildren. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, December 21, 2018, between 10:00 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. The Celebration of Jean’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with a time of fellowship and refreshments immediately thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

• Date : 2018-12-15
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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