Jean Saville was born in Québec City, the oldest of 4 girls and 2 boys. She has 2 surviving sisters living in Québec City and a brother in Montréal. A strong and lovely lady, Jean acquired her basic French language skills in grade school as a second language and also through the French-Canadian children in her local area. She states that she still manages to get by in life with these skills. During her English schooling, Jean was rather a lone wolf, keeping to herself, but a young girl who was very keen on reading. This proved to be frustrating for her as there was limited access to books written in English. So, she eagerly read all that she could get her hands on!
After school, Jean worked for a short time, but was uncomfortable being around a lot of people. It was then that she felt a strong calling and entered the convent at the Sisters of Charity in Halifax. This was a particularly difficult time for her. She was overcome with feelings of loneliness, of being unsociable and of not belonging. She sought prayer as a method of escape. During her time at the convent, someone told Jean: “Vocation and what you do in life is a matter of choice.” As in French culture, she knew that the first born was given to God and therefore knew this to be her vocation. Although it was extremely hard for Jean, she chose to be resilient, maintaining her place at the convent for more than 5 years. This was due largely to the help of many of the kind nuns there, as well as various doctors who spoke to Jean and tried to help her understand her problems. After a time, however, Jean decided that even though she had made this choice, it had become clear to her that the reality was beyond her realm of capability. She felt that remaining there was going against the grain. Now some might think that Jean would have given up. But as she said, “I’ll never give up” because she was (and still is!) a very stubborn woman.
She returned to her parents’ home and lived there for some time. Family is extremely precious to her. She felt meaning in her life, unselfishly giving her time and engaging in activities in the service of others. It was, unfortunately, after leaving the convent that Jean experienced several more challenges in her life. Doctors finally diagnosed her with schizophrenia. While this was devastating news, she at last had an answer for some of her earlier problems in life. Sometime later, Jean had a fall and developed eye problems as she refused to seek hospital care. The damaged retina caused her much pain and anguish. During this stressful time, she often experienced feelings of sorrow, but again, through thoughtful prayer and stubbornness, she persevered and continues to this day to find ways to continue her love of reading. In her 60’s, Jean began searching out and reading religious books. She had a vast collection of them in her home which she prized above all else. She has asked for certain accommodations to help her maintain as normal a life as possible with her reading. Jean refuses to give up. “I’ve got a good heart; I can’t give up. That keeps me going.”
All throughout Jean’s journey, she acknowledges thankfulness to a host of people who have crossed her path. People, she says, from every walk of life have shared their sound advice with her. Additionally, simple acts of kindness such as having phone numbers of her family written in large print by her chair, phone numbers also of those who would provide her transportation outside of the residence, as well as other items and accommodations provided to her with little to no cost humble her and fill her with gratitude. She greatly appreciates the volunteers at Saint Brigid’s Home, stating that they are “priceless”. Also of note, she expressed her contentment at being able to attend BINGO, having her nails done, attending the birthday tea parties and listening to the pianist play. She is blessed to exist in such a vibrant place as Saint Brigid’s Home.
Jean Saville has expressed that she refuses to give up. This stubbornness has given her meaning and purpose. She states that God reminds us that he accepts into Heaven only those who are willing to fight, to persevere through hardship. Though she has endured many challenges in her life, she proves to be resilient and steadfast. She marches on and is eager to help others along the way. And she is forever grateful for all those who have walked this journey together with her.