Jean Louise Mowat

In loving memory of

Jean Louise Mowat

9 Aug 1943 - 7 May 2025

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MOWAT, Jean Louise (of Alexandra, formerly Dunedin)
On May 7, 2025, suddenly, at Dunedin Hospital after a brief illness, surrounded by her family; aged 81 years.

Much loved wife of Ross, loved and respected mother and mother-in-law of Steve and Rachel, Kaye and Rodney, Gaye and Brownie, David and Tracy.  An adored Nana and Great-Nana to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to St John Ambulance, Dunstan Hospital, Otago Rescue Helicopter and Dunedin Hospital ICU for their care of Jean.

--  A service to celebrate Jean's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, Dunedin at 11am on Wednesday May 14, followed by private interment.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Otago Rescue Helicopter would be appreciated and may be left at the service. 

Messages to 85 Ventry Street, Alexandra 9320 or below where you will also find the link to live stream the service.

Live stream

Livestream

Messages

Jeffrey Clarkson

I will always remember Jean for her lightness and humour, she was my big sister and our communications were always on the same level. Jean was the other Leo in the family, she was highly motivated, a visionary and always a cherry smile and a positive outlook. I still have the photo of both of us visiting Santa Claus in DIC (well she took me). When I look at it, I see a sister with a natural mothering energy, and one of the most relaxed photos of me in my younger years - a tribute to how safe I felt with you. Jean, I’ll miss you for many reasons and even though a few months have passed, your energy is still strong within my life, as if you are still there looking over me. Until we meet again, thank you for being in my life and may you be blessed with divine love and peace in your after-life and on your infinite journey as divine soul.

Peter Greenall

I have so many amazing memories of the spark that Jean gave, the twinkle in her eye, and the endless laughter. I can never forget these moments. For me, she was a teacher, a coach, brilliantly creative, and 1 in a million.

Rachel Trainor

Auntie Jean was a huge presence in the Trainor kids lives in Alex growing up, and hearing everyone’s stories today on the livestream was so beautiful. I didn’t know she brought the Otago GS auditions to Alex, thank you Auntie Jean for some of my happiest childhood memories! She made my 6th form formal dress which I still have, and I count myself lucky to have also been able to eat her delicious baking (her marshmallow square sticks out in my memory!) and share in her hilarious and mischievous presence. Some of my Mums funniest stories have Auntie Jean as the main prankster. Hearing how many activities she fit into a day has been so inspiring and I’m very grateful to Hope and Sons for sharing the livestream so we could watch it if we couldn’t be there. All my love and condolences to all the Mowats and Clarkson xxx

Kelsie Trainor

Auntie Jean was an amazing, joyful and supportive person. The closest Auntie that lived near us Trainors in Alexandra, there were always summer barbecues and trips to the lake, cub camps, and of course Gang Show. I'll always remember her mischievous tricks as the supreme jokster of the family and of course her incredible dress making skills which I am so grateful to keep a physical memory in my 2006 formal dress, so beautiful and iconic to this day. Thanks Auntie Jean for your presence in my life, thanks for convincing Gang Show auditions to come to Alexandra so we could be a part of the magic! Those are memories I will treasure forever. Thanks for always being supportive and for sharing my artwork to your Facebook page. I always appreciated it! Sending my love and condolences to the Mowat & Clarkson family. Hearing the all the beautiful stories during the service today was lovely. She was a creative and spectacularly unique force to always be remembered. Lots of love Kelsie xxx

Sara Miller Anderson

Ross, Gaye, David and family. We are so sorry your your loss. Jean will be so sadly missed. Sending huge hugs. Sara and Troy

Claire Goudie

A fond farewell to the "Queen Mother" from the Goudie family.

Mike Anderson

To the Mowat and Clarkson families. We are very sorry to read of the loss to you all in the passing of Jean. It is such a long time since we have seen Jean and the Clarkson family, but do have fond memories of the old days when the Clarksons and Andersons met up. Please accept the condolences of the Anderson clan. Mike + Pam Anderson

Linda McLarem

Condolences to the Clarkson Family. I have fond memories of camping with Ross and Jean at Waitangi central Otago when my girls were small. One fond memory was the selection of differently brewed pickled onions that they brought with them to share, the water fights and good times with the odd drink or two. After that we stayed in touch through Facebook my daughter said this morning that she had bought some of Jeans veggie bags some years ago. These memories will stay with me always. Kind Regards Linda McLaren and family.

Blake Luff

To the extended Mowat family, I am sad to read of Jean's passing. I first met Jean back stage at the annual Alexandra Musical Society show the Wizard of Oz, where is was only 9 years old. But the warmth and love she shared it could have easily been my own Grandmother. I was lucky enough to be involved with the musical society a lot after that, and Jean was always there, needle and thread always there to make something amazing from a far fetched idea. Jean was extraordinarily talented and was more than willing to share her skills, and was very generous with her time to give back to the community. I feel grateful that I was lucky enough to spend a small amount of time with her. It was always lovely to get a cheeky comment or message from her on Facebook and i will miss seeing her out and about when I return to Alexandra

Glenis Gassmann

A Tribute to Jean Jean wasn’t just my big sister — she was part mentor, part mischief-maker, part second mum. Fifteen years older than me, she walked ahead, but never too far to reach back and guide me. In Scouts, it was Jean who lit the spark in me, encouraging me to step into leadership, cheering me on as I earned my Wood Beads, and adding her signature laughter and spirit to every training weekend. We got up to plenty of mischief — the kind that leaves you with stories for a lifetime. She gave me my very first book — Noddy and the Policeman — and with that, opened the door to a lifelong love of reading. Family holidays with Jean were always an adventure: full of music, laughter, water fights, and singalongs. With her piano accordion in hand, she serenaded entire campgrounds, turning strangers into smiling audiences, and moments into memories. Some of my most treasured memories are from our cocktail afternoons at Lowburn, where Jean taught me the fine art of mixing the perfect drink. From Harvey Wallbangers to Freddy Fudpuckers and Between the Sheets — each year brought a new round of hilarity and creativity as we crafted cocktails to mark the camping season. Those summer afternoons were filled with clinking glasses, laughter that echoed off the lake, and memories that will never fade. Jean had golden hands — a gifted seamstress who made endless dresses for my special occasions, each one crafted with love and care. When I started my first business in Tupperware, she was right there, championing me every step of the way. Her belief in me never wavered. She was also there in quieter, more tender moments — like when she gently nurtured me through the heartbreak of my first boyfriend breakup. She had a way of knowing exactly what I needed. Jean made regular visits to Australia, and each time felt like a celebration. We’d catch up, laugh, reminisce, and savour the joy of simply being together. No matter the years or the distance, our bond was always strong. She embraced technology with her usual enthusiasm, sending photos of her great-grandkids, sharing memes, and checking in with weekly messages — always thoughtful, always funny, always her. It didn’t matter how far apart we were — we were never truly apart. Her heart was generous. Her laughter was contagious. Her love was constant. Jean leaves behind more than memories — she leaves behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and fierce loyalty. A family shaped by her presence, a life well lived, and a space now tenderly held in all of us who loved her. Thank you, Jean — for being my sister and my friend. You’ve left behind a chorus of laughter, a trail of stories, and a love that will echo through our lives forever. I will miss you dearly. Love Glenis xxx

Alexander Rowe

To the whole of the Clarkson Clan, Please accept my deepest condolences and profound love on the passing of Jean. Since meeting my Soul mate, Glenis Gassmann and now being part of the Clarkson Clan, the level of closeness and love in a family I have never felt and Jean and Ross were at the centre. I felt a profound loss when Jean passed but knowing her to be at peace without anymore suffering I have found peace too. All my Love and best wishes to Noelene, Ray,Eunice, Jeff, Heather, Glenis. and Jackie. And to Ross my dearest condolences and family too. My Love and Best Wishes, Alex ❤️✨❤️🌈🙏

Annette Godman

Rachel & Steve - I was so sorry to read of Jean's passing - such a shock for you all. I remember her being so involved in your wedding Rach, and all the kids tops she made - so incredibly clever & talented - thinking of you all at this time and sending much love - condolences to you all xx