Jean Agnes (Gina) Crenna Obituary
Gina “Jean” Agnes Crenna, age 99, of Guelph, Ontario, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2019.
Jean was born in Guelph on January 4, 1920. She attended St. Agnes School and then Loretto Academy (now Bishop Macdonell Secondary School) and pursued secretarial studies.
Jean worked as a secretary and administrator for Crenna Construction Limited from the time it was founded in 1946 until it ceased operations in the 1970s. She then looked after her parents Carlo and Adele for many years in their home at 23 Prospect Avenue and continued to live there in proud independence after they passed away. She loved to garden and could be found each spring planting in her backyard that overlooked downtown Guelph. She was an avid correspondent with family members and friends throughout the world, amassing a vast collection of post cards, notes and photos exchanged with them.
A fall at home more than a dozen years ago led to a broken hip and an extended period of recuperation in Palmerston and then Kitchener. Luckily, Jean found a place at Norfolk Manor in Guelph where she lived happily and with excellent care until her passing, with niece Betty Plummer at her side. A favourite occupation there was playing bingo. For many years previously, Jean was also involved in Sacred Heart Church.
Jean is survived by her nieces and nephews, including Betty Plummer, Donna Snider, David Crenna, Diane Crenna, Donald Crenna, Cynthia Taha, Darlene Crenna, Louise Crenna, Carol Crenna, Brian Crenna, and Mark Crenna. She is fondly remembered by long-time friends and neighbours on Prospect Avenue, including Norman and Janet Harrison and Randy and Wilfred Rieck.
Jean is preceded in death by her brothers Charlie and Mario, and by her sister, Rena McKay.
The Crenna family wishes to express deep appreciation to David Ing and Lisa Hipgrave and the whole staff of Norfolk Manor for their many years of devoted care for Jean. They also want to thank Dave Young of Young and Associates for his constant care and attention to Jean’s needs as her executor while living.
Interment will be at Marymount Cemetery with her parents, Carlo and Adele Crenna. Arrangements are being handled by Gilbert McIntyre and Son.
