Life Lessons from Two Master Teachers

from Two Master Teachers

By Heather Emberley

Ada Allan at 102 years of age Jean Deans at 102 years of age

In celebration of the Retired Women Teachers’ Association 65th anniversary, the Executive thought it a good idea if I interviewed two women who did so much on behalf of our association. The fact that both retired teachers were 102 years of age when I met them made it a wonderful assignment.

I was most fortunate to meet with Jean Deans and Ada Allan in their apartments. Yes, they were both living independently in their own private suites. Sadly, Ada was experiencing breathing difficulties due to a tumor near her lungs and she passed away on July 1, 2016. Jean Deans is planning on celebrating her 103rd birthday January 7, 2017.

What both educators displayed was an amazing ability to remember the most minute details of their early teaching days. Interestingly, both women said they enjoyed life, loved teaching and were grateful for the times in which they lived. They both began their careers in one-room schools in rural Manitoba and