Jean Franklin Hancher passed away peacefully March 20, 2026 at Princess Margaret Hospital with her friend Marilyn by her side. Jean’s partner Ken died in 2023.

Born to Iva and Elmer Wackley in Windsor on July 10, 1939, Jean’s brother Jack entered the world within one hour of Jean’s arrival. Sister Dorothy waited a few years before completing Iva and Elmer’s family.

Jean lived her life to the fullest. In 1951 she began a teaching career in Dryden and New Brunswick. In addition to academic work, Jean earned a pilot’s licence and continued to enjoy many flights with Ninety-Nines activities throughout her life. In 1978 Jean joined the FWTAO staff in Toronto, working in collective bargaining and counselling departments.

Following a sabbatical year at Law School, Jean decided to complete a law degree and arranged for a leave of absence from FWTAO. She opened her office in Guelph where she focussed primarily on employment and immigration issues.

After retiring from her law practice in Guelph, Jean returned to York University and completed coursework in the Women’s Studies program. Though she did considerable research and writing for a Ph.D, she regretted not completing her dissertation as husband Ken’s health, and then her own cancer, took much of her attention.

Jean is survived by her twin brother Jack Wackley (Stret), son Bill, his wife Tanya and their daughters Isabel and Rianna; and Jean’s sister Dorothy Brown, and husband Keith, nephew David, wife Kelly Campbell-Brown and daughter Avery.

Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel (2357 Bloor Street W., Toronto) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. A memorial Service will be held in the Chapel Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 3 p.m. which will be livestreamed. A button will appear below closer to the service day.

Donations in memory of Jean may be made to either the Princess Margaret Hospital (Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation) or a flight training scholarship. Donations for the scholarship can be sent by e-transfer to (The East Canada Section of the 99s treasurer ecs_@canadian99s.com OR Canada Helps. Scholarship in Memory of Jean Franklin Hancher.)