Obituary of Jeanette Catherine Heans

It is with deep love and sadness that we, Jeanette’s family and host of friends, announce her passing on Friday, January 31st, 2020 at Bobby’s Hospice. Jeanette was born on December 3, 1935 to the late James H. and Mina (Hoyt) Higgins in Saint John, NB. After graduation Jeanette worked for Gandy & Allison Ltd, before being employed with the Worker’s Compensation Board in the Assessment and Accounting Department for more than thirty-five years, In her earlier years, she accompanied the Carriden Choir and was a member of the Tom Hahn Singers and the N.B Opera Company. In 1961 she began her thirty-nine year career as organist and choir director of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Saint John West. She directed both the Senior and Junior Choirs, and a big part of the commitment was to have the choir’s active in singing in Nursing Homes. Jeanette was humbled to be asked to be one of the first two female Deacons at Hillcrest Baptist Church. She took responsibility very seriously, God being her helper! She attended several Choral Workshops in Kitchener-Waterloo, ON; Dallas, TX; Gatlinburg, TN; Grand Rapids, MI; Portland, OR; Kansas City, MO; and numerous times to Estes Park, CO. Many friendships were established during these years. She kept on the “cutting edge” of gospel music and brought a lot home for her choirs to learn and enjoy. She also held her own workshops in Saint John to share the new music with other choirs in the area. In the 80’s and 90’s, many concerts and cantatas were enjoyed, often including members of other Saint John Choirs. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Ferris, step sisters; Helene Bursey and Hazel Whittaker, step brother Charles Hoyt, and several nieces and nephews. Jeanette is predeceased by her parents; James and Mina, husband Beverly and brother William (Linda) Higgins. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John, NB 506-634-1701. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held from Hillcrest Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM. A Reception will follow in Hillcrest Baptist Church. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery, on Wednesday, February 5th at 10:00 AM. Donations in Jeanette’s memory can be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online Condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com