Surrounded by her loving family, Jeanne Theresa Sut Tiam Quee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in her 85th year.
Jeanne was born in Malaysia and discovered her love of learning at an early age. Educated by French and Irish nuns at the Convent School in Kajang and later at Bukit Nanas in Kuala Lumpur, she was inspired by her teachers and worked tirelessly to excel. At 18, she earned a scholarship to Brinsford College in England, her first taste in exploring the world. There she trained to become a teacher at a time when Malaysia was in great need of educators. Upon returning home, she taught first grade at her old Convent School—a full-circle moment.
Jeanne had dreams of seeing the world, having new experiences and meeting new people. She later immigrated to Canada, where she settled in Toronto, and continued her vocation with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, teaching at St. Anthony Catholic School. Jeanne devoted 37 years to teaching, inspiring generations of students with her wisdom, discipline, and care.
Family was always at the heart of Jeanne’s life. The eldest daughter of Khoon Jin and Siew Kiang Quek, she was one of thirteen siblings and played a pivotal role in bringing her brother, Kim Teck, and sister, Ngoh Fooi, to Canada. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews across generations.
Beyond the classroom, Jeanne enjoyed reading, gardening, baking, and sharing her handmade cards and dishes at every family gathering. She was also a loyal friend, adventuring across the city to make sure she stayed in touch and remained connected regularly. She will be remembered for her perseverance, generosity, strength, love of education, legendary baked goods, charismatic storytelling, and her unwavering dedication to family and faith.
Jeanne is predeceased by her long-time partner, Michael Blurton, with whom she is now reunited. She is survived by her brother Kim Teck, sister Ngoh Fooi, sister-in-law Kim Yong, her extended family in Malaysia and Singapore, and the countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives she touched.
A visitation will be held at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel (corner of Bloor and Windermere) on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, from 2pm until 3pm, and a funeral service to follow at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Visitation
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
Get Directions
Wednesday, 3 Sep 2025 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Funeral
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
Get Directions