Family and friends of Dr. Elder Jean Crane, and the many lives she inspired and influenced, condolences to you.
It was with profound sadness that I learned of her passing. Elder Jean Crane was many things in her long and colourful life: Elder, Doctor, teacher, advocate, artist, leader, Inuk, daughter of Labrador. And perhaps, and most importantly, she was kind, compassionate and considerate to all.
Looking through the abundance of tributes since her passing, and throughout the years honouring her achievements, Elder Crane was truly a great woman.
She is described as one of the most prolific and important artists in Labrador. Her
art was influenced by and was connected to her lands, animals and her community.
Elder Crane had a passion for education and made a lifelong commitment to it. She was the only one in her immediate family to attend high school and went on to earn a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Education. She is highly respected within the academic community and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws by Memorial University in 2021.
Before there was a women’s shelter in her community, Elder Crane opened her own home to
women in need. Her tireless advocacy eventually led to Libra House, an
emergency women’s shelter in Happy Valley-Goose Bay that she administered until
her retirement.
On behalf of the NunatuKavut Community Council and our Governing Council, we wish to honour Elder
Crane’s life and work and will make a donation to Libra House in her
memory.
She will be deeply missed by many, but she has left behind many gifts of memories
and legacy.
Deepest condolences,
President Todd Russell