JEAN (GEORGINA) CLOAKEY
1959 – 2023
At 9.55 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2023, heaven opened up while the clouds ushered Jean in.
Jean (Georgina) Cloakey ended her long 3 ½-year battle with cancer peacefully, with her loving family by her side, in her home in Kincardine.
Jean was 64 years old and was born in Goderich. She is the daughter of the late George and Eleanor Mason. Jean always lived within a 50 km radius of Kincardine, where she and Paul Cloakey (husband) made it their home.
Not only was Jean a hairdresser, but she owned the Hair Loft from 1998 until her diagnosis of terminal cancer in 2020. Jean has made many friends over the years. That’s what Jean loved about her career. It wasn’t a job, but an opportunity to meet friends every hour in her shop. She loved every minute of it. In fact, that is where many would come to receive not only a hairdo but were welcomed with a free cup of java and to off load their concerns or problems. Jean didn’t have her certificate in psychology, but she soon grasped how to help… and that was just to give them her ears while she worked away.
Jean was a very passionate gardener; she spent many hours in her garden and it shows. She was also one of the largest Toronto Maple Leafs fans the team could ever wish for (and it still hasn’t helped. This season, maybe?)
Jean exemplified true friendship. Her front door was always opened… you could stop in anytime of the day/evening. She would offer you refreshments, followed by “Do you want a game of (whatever was her favourite game that week)?” She was full of life and laughter.
Jean is survived by her husband, the love of her life, Alex (Fred) Cloakey – who was also her Yahtzee competitor! In fact, I believe they were trying for the world record in games. They played more than 3,000 games since the beginning of her battle with cancer. She had every game recorded.
Jean also leaves behind her loving children: Jonathan Cloakey and his partner Meaghan (Guelph), Pamela wife of Joe Buonaiuto (Hamilton) and extended family of Alex Cloakey and their cat Pedro. Jean adored her grandchildren Shaymus and Everett, children of Jonathan and Angela.
Jean was one of nine children; she leaves behind Archie Mason (Goderich), Wally Mason (Kincardine), Betty Currie/Jim Hastie (Tiny Beaches), Laverne/Dave Jamieson (Seaforth), Chuck Mason (Sarnia), Tammy/Bud Wiser (Brussels), MaryLou/George Befurt (Kitchener) and Perry/Carrie Mason (Listowel).
Jean also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, close friends and her special customers.
Anyone who was fortunate enough to know and be loved by Jean has learned so much from this little warrior. Life wasn’t easy for Jean, however she was the happiest soul on this planet in spite of her challenges. We will always be looking from signs from her… whether it be a special flower, bird, a special song, nudge or just having fun. We know she will be watching over us.
Jean’s favourite saying to us all: “Don’t sweat the petty stuff… and don’t pet the sweaty stuff!”
We will be hosting a celebration of her life once her garden is back in full bloom in June 2024.
In lieu of flowers, Jean has requested that everyone either volunteer, make many good deeds or support a charity.
Our thanks go out to everyone who helped her and her family through this final chapter of life’s journey. Special thanks to Doctor Murray, Nurse Katrina, her End of Life Doula Cheryl and everyone else who was instrumental in fighting her battle.
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