It is with great sadness that we pass along the news of Jean Barton’s passing on Sunday, August 16th. Jean, or Jeannie to many of you, started Books on Beechwood with Mary Mahoney back in 1994, bravely coinciding their foray into book-selling with the opening of the first Chapters store in Ottawa. It didn’t take long for the two newest Beechwood business owners, and the business itself, to become an essential part of our community. After running the store for almost 20 years, Jean retired, passing the reins onto current owners Brian Sullivan and George Laframboise.
All the staff at Books on Beechwood (past and present), some of whom worked with Jean for many years, will miss her a great deal. Even though we may not see her anymore, she will always live on in our hearts and our bookstore.
Obituary Published in The Ottawa Citizen on August 21, 2015:
Jean Gibson (Jeannie) Barton (nee Smith) 1945-2015
After a full and active life, Jeannie passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Tom, children Doug (Davis) and Alice (Scott), granddaughter Natalie, and sisters Sue and Maria. In addition to her vast interests including nature, gardening, painting, skiing, tennis, bridge and traveling, she opened and successfully operated a book store in Ottawa (Books on Beechwood) for almost 20 years. She was definitely her own person, and her unique and infectious laughter warmed many hearts.
A celebration of Jeannie’s life will be held in Ottawa on the afternoon of September 13.