Jeanne Dale Archibald Lederman passed away peacefully at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre at the peak of the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. Jeanne was born and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Clifford and Maizie Archibald. Jeanne is survived by her daughter, Claire who she was very proud of; her devoted husband, Peter; beloved brother, Kent; sister-in-law, Shelley; niece, Kaitlin; and great nieces, Jaida and Jemma. She is also survived by brothers-in-law, Bill and Lewis (Margot).
Jeanne was educated at Acadia (B.Sc. Biology, 1971) and Dalhousie Law School (LL.B 1974). Jeanne and her husband, Peter Lederman operated their own law firm together in Truro since 1980. Their office occupies a historic property on the corner of Queen and Walker Streets in Truro, which was restored by them in 1984. Her practice was focused on elder law, wills and estates and real estate. She received her Queens Counsel from the federal government in 1992. Jeanne was the first Small Claims Court Judge of Nova Scotia for Colchester County.
Jeanne loved The Beatles, especially Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen. One of Jeanne’s best memories was seeing the Beatles live in 1966 at Maple Leaf Gardens. She sold her bicycle, and started "the piccadilly circus" flea market to raise money for the concert and train ticket to Toronto. She enjoyed taking water colour painting lessons, baking (Martha Stewart), being in nature, gardening and spending time with her many pets. She played the piano throughout her life and took fiddle lessons as an adult.
Like her mother, Maizie, Jeanne was quick to identify with the younger generation who frequented her home and sought her out to enjoy her generous hospitality, family ghost stories, laughs and famous chocolate chip cookies. She was always young at heart and kind to people from all walks of life, advocating for those who are vulnerable on many occasions. Jeanne was always there for Claire and her friends, from driving friends home late at night when they were teenagers to helping them purchase their first homes as young adults.
Jeanne was outgoing and was never afraid to voice her opinion openly. She always tried to live by the Golden Rule, repeated to her by her mother: "Do onto others as you would have them do onto you". She treated everyone with grace, making each feel, at ease in her presence with her kindness and spirited wit. She sparkled and had that innate ability to make the person to whom she spoke feel special and important.
We wish to thank the staff at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre and Kenda MacLellan for their exceptional end of life care for Jeanne.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street where a celebration of life will be held 2-5 pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Jeanne wished to be remembered as someone who loved her family, friends and animals. Memorial contributions in Jeanne’s memory may be made to the Colchester SPCA or animal rescue of your choice. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
"A dream you dream alone, is only a dream.
A dream you dream together is reality."
~ John Lennon