M. Jean (Etter) MacQueen – 76, Truro. Born in Truro, she was the second child of the late Bertha (Jardine) and Bertram Etter of Shubenacadie.
On June 2, 1970, she married Reverend Don MacQueen, including in her marriage service a reading from Ruth 1:16 "and they began their journey together." Jean would tell you, clearly, that she was not "a Minister's wife", but she WAS Don's wife, the proud mother of daughters, Elizabeth (Jason Miller), Fall River and Roberta, New Dominion, Prince Edward Island, and later the proud grandmother of Nicole and Emily Miller.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, and in addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her older brother, James Etter (Wilhelmina), Fall River; her younger sister, Anne Etter (Lewis King) Lakeside; nieces and nephews, Carolyne (Etter) Ferguson (Kyle), Jamison Etter (Jenny), Melanie King, Gregg King (Julie); grand-nephew and grand-nieces, Jack and Isla Ferguson and Evelyn, Anna and Claire King.
Jean was not a house wife; she was a homemaker and made a home for her family in Thomasville (NS), Mindemoya, Manitoulin Island (ON), Upper Musquodoboit (NS), Hunter River (PEI), Masstown (NS) and finally in Truro.
She was a life-long skilled sewer, inspired by her grandmother, Mabel. While still in school she made clothes for her sister's dolls and later fashioned most of her own clothes. She created many items of clothing for her family, including her own and her daughter's wedding dresses as well as suits and shirts for Don. Most days you could find her quilting while listening to classical or traditional music, watching Formula 1 racing, CBC sports, in particular the CFL, or her beloved Star Trek, Indiana Jones or James Bond movies. These sessions resulted in making many hand quilted full size or lap quilts which were then donated to hospitals and nursing homes in the local area.
Additionally, she knitted countless "Baby Sets" for the Guardian Angels program and for the IWK, and created children’s dolls and little animals of felt and many other material crafts. She belonged to a number of quilting groups over the years and in retirement we are thankful for the St. David's group in Bible Hill whose friendship and kindness enabled her to continue her passion until the Covid shutdown.
Jean was an accomplished baker being particularly known for her pies, biscuits and rolls, which were reserved for special friends and a staple at church and community suppers. In the days leading up to an event, you could routinely hear Don hopefully asking, "Am I allowed to have this?" as he tried to sneak a taste ahead of the rest.
She was an avid reader of mysteries and found pleasure in reading, gardening, all types of puzzles, her pets, watching the local wildlife, and for those who knew her best – puns and sarcasm.
After moving to Truro, she especially enjoyed her and Don’s daily walks to "see the ducks" at Kiwanis Park Pond.
In the mid-2000s Jean began suffering with dementia, with it being finally confirmed at the Senior Clinic, where we are grateful for the excellent care, both in person and virtually by Beckey Langille and Dr. Altenkirk. As Alzheimer’s disease progressed, the baking stopped when Jean made a pan of biscuits that did not meet her high standards, and the sewing and quilting stopped when she could no longer operate the sewing machine. The cherished visits to the ducks, now by car, came to an end when she moved to Cedarstone Enhanced Care on May 11, 2021.
We are thankful for the care to both Jean and Don during the last few years by the staff at Cedarstone, especially Betty and the group at reception, as well as and the skilled and compassionate care given by those in Eden Hall – MERCI. We thank Bruce Varner whose friendship Jean enjoyed.
On February 10, 2026 the Spirit was released and returned to whence it came, united with the universe and divine eternal flame. As Jean arranged with Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, the unique vessel in which it was contained was cremated.
Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at First United Church, 711 Prince Street, Truro, Reverend Cathie Crooks officiating. Livestream of the funeral service will begin at 10:55 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, and can be accessed by clicking on the link at the top of Jean’s obituary on the funeral home website. Reception will follow in Memorial Hall. If so desired, donations in Jean’s memory to your local SPCA or Mission and Service Fund of United Church of Canada are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com