Jill Roberta McNichol passed peacefully at Southlake Village on October 19, 2017 after an 8 year struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. She is no longer suffering and for that we are truly grateful, but we will miss her terribly.
Jill was born on Nov 3, 1938 to Hector and Iris Blair in Lindsay. At the age of 6 months, she was adopted by Zella Roberta (Bobbie) and Frank Hughston, along with two other adopted brothers, James and John. She lived in Toronto until her father returned from the war and decided he didn’t want the responsibilities of having a wife and family, so Bobbie moved them to a small farm in Mono Road, which Jill thought was the end of the world! She adapted to country life eventually and spent hours singing while milking their cows, and playing the piano, her mom faithfully driving her back to the city every week to take lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Jill started teaching piano at the age of 15 and over the course of her life, she shared her talent and love of music to hundreds of people, whether it be on the keyboard, the organ or by voice/singing. She was involved for years with the Peel Music Festival, and proudly would list all her “prodigies” successes in the local paper. She played at churches, weddings, funerals, at curling clubs, at parties – pretty much wherever there was a piano! When she moved to Orangeville, she started the Orangeville School of Music, and also began singing with the Orangeville Sweet Adelines, becoming Assistant Director and earning her 30 year pin a few years ago. Jill was also active in the Orangeville Curling Club and the Orangeville Golf Course. She was the life of the party, was often called Jilly Bean, always had a smile on her face, would help anyone out when needed, and had a terrific sense of humour! She could be tough on her music students (she called them pupils), but saw the best in them, and never taught by the clock, which got her into trouble many times, but she would never apologize for that; if her pupils needed more time to perfect a piece, she would give it to them!
As much as she loved music, she loved her family. Her daughter Marnie Clark (Alan), sons Hugh (deceased), Paul (Barbara), and her grandchildren Devin and Liam and Brandon and Jonathan. And although she and Bruce were separated, they still remained friendly. She also cared about all her wonderful friends, and her beloved Sweet Ads, and her McNichol and Hughston families. She was lucky enough to meet her biological siblings Helen Jacklin (Bill), Tony Blair (Shirley), and half-sister Suzy just after her 50th birthday, a truly memorable gift!
There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday November 12 from 2-5 pm at the Westminster United Church, 247 Broadway, Orangeville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Orangeville Chorus, Sweet Adelines c/o A. Richardson, 71 Goldgate Crescent, Orangeville, ON L9W 4B6, or to the Alzheimer Society of York Region, 240 Edward Street, Aurora L4G 3S9. Arrangements by Egan Funeral Home, Bolton (905-857-2213). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
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Ron and Lynda Mikulik
Marnie and family. Very sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. Great lady! I have some great memories. Around her piano at her home on Zina St. after a fun baseball game singing or at least for some of us trying to sing. She tried her best to keep us on key. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Ron and Lynda Mikulik
Nancy Telfer
Jill was such a wonderful person. I remember my lessons with her quite vividly even though that was over fifty years ago. She had such a strong influence on me. I am so sorry to hear that she is gone. I would like to offer my condolences to her many friends and to her family members. Her energy and bright outlook on life will be missed but will remain in our memories forever.
Diane Allengame
I will always remember Jill’s wide smile and infectious laugh. St. James benefited from her gift of music for many years and that gift lives on in her many pupils. Another Mono Road / Caledon East connection lost on earth but reestablished in heaven! With sympathy from the Allengame family.
Sylvia Jackson
Marnie , Paul and families,
I took singing lessons from your Mom back in the late 60’s as an individual and was asked to join a group of young singers and we sang at a wedding or 2 at the Anglican Church in Caledon East. I always remember your Mom as a vibrant , kind and friendly teacher. Jill was blessed with musical talent and passed on her passion to her pupils and the community. My condolence to your family.
Joyce Woods
Dear Paul and family, sorry for the loss of your mother. Your memories will be forever.
Janet (Hayes)Dale
Marnie, Paul and Families
I had the privilege of enjoying Jill’s piano teaching skills for many years.
A kind, but tough teacher. Always seemed to know which pieces I would enjoy tackling.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Denise Girvan (Judge)
Marnie, Paul and Family,
So many wonderful memories growing up with Jill. She shaped a big part of my life starting at a very young age with my singing lessons. Jill had such a big heart and spread her love for music everywhere she went. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Paul Nelson
Dear Marnie and Paul,
So very sorry to hear of your mon’s passing. Growing up in Mono Road and working at the garage as a young boy, I will forever remember and be grateful for Jill’s kindness and positive energy.
Best wishes to you both.
Paul Nelson
Helen ferrier
So many memories.. curling club .. golf course.. many many late nights at her place!! Many many laughs!!
Truly a great person! Helen ferrier
Don and Sandy Dawson
Marnie and Family,
We know how much your Mom meant to you and your family. Please accept our sincerest condolences as you and your family go through this difficult time. May the good memories be with you always.
Deb DelFrari
We are sending our condolences to the McNichol family. From Karen, Ryan, and Dane McNichol.
Patricia Denneny
Sending our condolences to you all. Jill was a lovely Lady. She played piano at our wedding in 1964; she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. The Denneny Family.
Edie Harvey
Paul & Barb, Marnie & Al & grandsons;
We want to offer our condolences for the loss of your mother and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Brian & Edie Harvey
Kathy and Rick Hall
So sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. My husband, Rick and I first met her and Bruce when we built a house on the lot beside their home in Mono Road. Both Jill and Bruce were so kind and helpful to two kids from the city who knew nothing of country life. Jill always said if we lasted ten years in the country only then could we call ourselves true country people. Whenever I think of that time back in the 70’s, Jill with her big smile and laugh always come to mind.
May all the family find comfort in their many memories of happy times spent with Jill.
Barb Fairbairn
Marnie, Paul and families,
I would like to offer my sincere condolences in the loss of your mother. I have many great memories of Jill from the curling club, golf club, trips to Myrtle Beach and even taking my kids trick or treating to her house on Zina Street. She touched my life, as she touched the lives of everyone who knew her. What a wonderful person she was and she will be greatly missed!
LORRAINE CLARK
So sorry to hear of your moms passing but she is at peace now and singing in heaven and giving the angels lessons She will be missed by all who knew her
Margorie Grime
Marnie, Paul and family
Jill was the life of the party. I remember some good times at the curling club with Jill at the piano. Jill also taught my children and myself piano. She was also able to convince Dave and Mike to enter the Peel Music Festival singing! An inspiring woman and disciplined teacher. A very kind soul. Sincere condolences to you.
Virginia and Bob Schoug
Sorry to hear about Aunty Jill. I often thought about her but did not know where she moved to. Our thoughts are with Marnie and Paul. We express our deepest condolences.
Love Virginia and Paul
Sue Nelson Sarrazin and Hugh Nelson
We are sorry to hear of Jill’s passing even though we have not been in contact since we were children. Jill, Jim and John are our cousins as their adoptive father Frank Hughston, was our mother’s (Isabel Hughston) brother. Our shared aunt, Emily Hughston, would often speak lovingly of Jill. She was very fond of her and was very happy the day Jill phoned her when she was in Ottawa several years ago.
Jennifer Muir
Jill was one of the most influential people in my life. I miss her dearly. I am who I am today because of Jill. I wish I could let her know what she has meant to me. May she rest in peace.❤️