JEAN (GEORGINA) CLOAKEY (nee MASON)

September 16, 2023

At 9.55 p.m., Sept. 16, 2023, Heaven opened up while the clouds ushered in Jean (Georgina) Cloakey. Jean ended her long three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer peacefully, with her loving family by her side, in her home in Kincardine. She was 64 years old and was born in Goderich, daughter of the late George and Eleanor Mason. Jean has always lived within a 50-kilometre radius of Kincardine where she and her husband made their home. Not only was she a hairdresser, she owned the Hair Loft in Kincardine from 1998 until her diagnosis of terminal cancer in 2020. Jean has made many friends over the years. That's what she loved about her career. It wasn't a job but an opportunity to meet friends every hour in her shop. She loved every minute of it. In fact, that is where many would come to receive not only a hairdo but a welcome, with a free cup of java, and to off load their concerns or problems. Jean didn't have her certificate in psychology but she soon grasped how to help … and that was just to give them her ears while she worked away. She was a very passionate gardener, spending many hours at it and it shows. She was one of the greatest Toronto Maple Leafs fan the team could ever wish for … and it still hasn't helped. This season, maybe? Jean exemplified true friendship. Her front door was always open … you could stop in anytime of the day/evening. She would offer you refreshments, followed by “Do you want a game of ...” whatever was her favourite game that week. She was full of life and laughter. Survived by her husband, the love of her life, Alex (Fred) Cloakey, who was also her Yahtzee competitor! In fact, we believe they were trying for the world record in games. They’ve played 3000-plus games since the beginning of her battle with cancer. She has every game recorded. Also survived by her loving children Jonathan Cloakey, and his partner, Meaghan, of Guelph; Pamela, wife of Joe Buonaiuto, of Hamilton; extended family of Alex Cloakey; and their cat, Pedro. Jean adored her grandchildren, Shaymus and Everett, children of Jonathan and Angela. One of nine children, Jean leaves behind Archie Mason of Goderich, Wally Mason of Kincardine, Betty Currie/Jim Hastie of Tiny Beaches, Laverne/Dave Jamieson of Seaforth, Chuck Mason of Sarnia, Tammy/Bud Wiser of Brussels, MaryLou/George Befurt of Kitchener, and Perry/Carrie Mason of Listowel. Jean also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, close friends and her special customers. Anybody who was fortunate enough to know and be loved by Jean, has learned so much from this little warrior. Life wasn’t easy for her but she was the happiest soul on this planet in spite of her challenges. We will always be looking for signs from her … whether it be a special flower, bird, a special song, nudge or just having fun. We know she will be watching over us. Jean’s favourite saying to us all was, “Don’t sweat the petty stuff … and don’t pet the sweaty stuff!” We will be hosting a celebration of her life once her garden is back in full bloom in June, 2024. In lieu of flowers Jean has requested that everyone get out and volunteer, make many good deeds or support a charity. Our thanks to everyone who helped her and her family through this final chapter of life’s journey. A special thanks to Dr. Jason Murray, Nurse Katrina, her End-of-Life Doula Cheryl and everyone else who was instrumental in helping her fight her battle.