Rayson: Jean,
Beloved mother and friend to many, Jean Rayson (nee: Simpson), 94, departed this life on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Her parting occurred peacefully in her Tottenham home where she resided for 52 years, raising a family and nursing many as an RN at Simcoe Manor.
Jean was born in Buchlyvie, Scotland in 1931. She grew up on a farm in Comrie, Scotland, never losing her lovely Scottish accent and love of horses. She first visited Canada in 1960, where she worked at Joseph Brant Hospital and met and married Derek Rayson. The couple returned to the UK, where their children Steven and Elizabeth were born. Later, the family returned to Canada and settled in Tottenham, where she would create deep friendships and become a much-loved member of the community.
Jean loved to keep in touch with friends, both old and new. She cherished those she met in her early nursing days in Scotland, while also forging new lifelong connections in Tottenham. Known for her generosity, Jean was always ready to help —offering rides to medical appointments, sharing baskets of fresh vegetables from her garden, or volunteering at the United Church Soup & Bun.
Jean loved animals. An avid cat, dog, and horse lover, she delighted in trips to the races at Woodbine and Fort Erie Racetracks with her likeminded friends. She adored a good game of Bridge and enjoyed the camaraderie at her local Bridge Club. Closer to home, she loved visiting with the neighbours on her close-knit street. She tenderly looked after the birds that frequented her yard, always making sure there was food and water available. Chipmunks, squirrels, and possums were also welcome guests. Jean’s warmth, compassion, and open heart were evident in everything she did.
Jean’s children, Steven (wife Emily) and Elizabeth (Robert Fraser), grandchild Marnie, and grand-dog Sonsie will miss her dearly. She is predeceased by her beloved cats Henry, Vincent, Sproule and Viktor. Her cherished brother George (wife Geraldine) and family will keep her in their hearts. She adored her predeceased siblings Elizabeth, William, and James. She is also predeceased by her former husband, Derek Rayson. Jean is fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and neighbours.
Visitation will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477, on Monday January 5, 2026 from 10am until time of Memorial Service in the chapel at 11am. Reception to follow in the funeral home’s Cliffside Hall. If desired, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Matthews House Hospice. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Memorial Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home Ltd.
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, ON L0G1W0
Monday January 5, 2026
10:00am - 11:00am
Memorial Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home Ltd.
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, ON L0G1W0
Monday January 5, 202611:00 am
Carol Fraser says
I was so sorry to hear the passing of Jean. She had been in my coffee group for many years before I left Tottenham and was a much cherished member adding lots of wisdom and great stories to our little morning sessions at one another’s houses. She spoke often of her son in Washington, and was so proud of her children. I am so glad she lived for such a long time adding to the community in her own way. Rest in peace Jean. Pete and I send hugs to all those who mourn the loss of this dear lady.
Patricia Callan says
I am sorry to read about Jean’s passing. She was a kind person and a great bridge player. She played up to the week before her passing. I have known Jean for many years and always admired her spirit. I am sorry to have missed the celebration of life due to inclement weather. Kindest condolences to her family. Pat Callan, Beeton
Heath J.E. Canterbury says
My Truest and deepest condolences to one of my greatest and most capitol friends Steve and all of his magnificent and glorious family for their loss. Also condolences to all of us who had the honor to know Jean for any length of time. Be it long or short. In a room full of show stoppers she rightfully took center stage. For she was a Lady of the finest and rarest quality. Brilliant, kind and Beautiful in every way. Never shall her gracious , incitful and loving manner be forgotten. I am a fortunate and grateful fellow indeed for having met Jean. Her Greatness shall live on in her Exceptional children and those who have been fortunate enough to have been blessed through knowing her in any capacity. Requiescat in Pax…
With greatest sincerity. H-
Velma wace says
Was so saddened to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a very dedicated member of Tottenham United. We will miss your smiling face in the back pew on the left side of the church. It was always a pleasure to chat. Condolences to family.
Jeannette & Jim Ferrie says
Dear Steven, Elizabeth & Families, We are thinking about you all at this very sad time. Also passing on our sympathies to Jean’s family & friends in Scotland.
Jim & I are going to miss Jean terribly. Jean was great company always engaged in all sorts of very interesting conversations. Jean often dropped in & watched Golf on TV with us. Also she really enjoyed watching horse racing with Jim, he’d put on a few bets for her. Especially horse No 8!!!
Steven & Elizabeth your Mum sure lived a very interesting life, right to the end. RIP Jean . Hugs Jeannette, Jim & Family xo
Greg Cook and Teresa Cook says
Our sincere condolences on the death of Jean, she was a longtime friend of the Cook family from grandmother Phyllis, mother Marilynn, and all of us and our farm and animals. She was a strong Scot and a great person who raised excellent children. We mourn her passing.
Sonia Goronovsky says
Jean was a beautiful person. It was a privilege to know such a caring person. With condolences, Mabel Jack and family
David Simpson says
Jean’s Comrie family will hold her in their hearts forever. Her brother George will miss their Sunday chats but will keep her memory alive by sharing stories. We are thinking of you all, especially tomorrow. Grief is the price we pay for love and Jean was loved so very much xxx
Janet Johnston says
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Jean. She has been a dear friend of mine for many years. I hold close to my heart all the memories we have together. Rest in peace, you are deeply missed.
Jenny Johnston
Maria Castelijn says
My condoleance to Jean Rayson and family. I worked with Jean some of my shifts at the Simcoe Manor. She was a pleasant person to work with thank you Jean and rest in peace.
Jean Andrews says
Sincerest condolences Steven & Elizabeth &. families.I worked many years with your mom at Simcoe Manor .She was such a pleasure to be around .So grateful she got to visit me since moving into Simcoe Village always so many laughs & memories. Jean Andrews.
Andrew Wallace says
Elizabeth, Steven and family – I would like to offer my sincere condolences at the passing of your mum. Our thoughts are with your family at this time.
Kindes regards,
Drew Wallace and family.
Audrey Micoli says
Rest in peace Jean thankyou for being original and real. Had such great chats with you .
Linda McCullough says
I was saddened of hearing of Jeans passing.
My condolences to the family. I nursed with Jean at SMH in Alliston.
Patsy Lawrence says
I am deeply saddened by Jeans passing. I have known Jean since before she came to Canada. She was my elder sisters bridesmaid and they met during
Nurses training. Jean and I kept in touch
by telephone and I always looked forward to them. She was a very special
Lady and will be missed by all who knew her:
My condolences to her family!
Tibby MacDougall says
Sorry to hear of Jean’s passing.
We had a long happy friendship.
Jean was one of my bridesmaids.
I will miss her chats on phone.
Janice Milne says
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. Jean spent several years volunteering with John and I at our Soup N Bun luncheons. We shared many political discussions on events both here and in Scotland. She and I shared a love of brown sugar fudge and I would gift her some of my homemade variety at Christmastime. We both discussed many times after church how much we missed the fellowship we shared during that time.
Patty Mackay says
My sincere condolences to family and friends of Jean.
I met and worked with Jean for many years at Simcoe Manor.
I remember Jean as a very dedicated and knowledgeable RN. She was absolutely lovely to work with and learn from.
May you rest in peace Jean.
Patty Mackay
Tracey and Doug Carlson says
We will certainly miss our daily smiles and conversations with Jean. She was our across the road neighbor for 24 years, she was a real joy to be around, always tending her gardens, birds, chipmunks.
Tammy Crofts says
She was a loving and caring soul who was always there to help. My childhood was blessed and richer having her love and presence in my life. My deepest condolences to you Steven and Liz. Much love and memories Tammy Crofts
Lori Thorne says
Jean you were the best and l learned so much from you working at SImcoe Manor all of those years from you and always listen about Vincent she loved to tell me as she knew l was never fond of cats laughing