Jean was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on April 4th, 1928 to Elmer and May Ashdown. As the youngest of six children growing up in the depression, times were tough on the family farm northeast of Melfort. The family believed in hard work and had a devotion and love of god. Jean carried these values with her the rest of her life. After high school Jean went on to attend teachers college in Saskatoon. Her first job was south of Hudson Bay at a one room school house called Greenaway. From there she taught at Aborfield, Carrot River, and then back to a rural Hudson Bay School called "Aspen". On September 15th, 1951 Jean married a local Hudson Bay boy, Bob Cable. She then took on the duties of a farm wife and continued to substitute as a teacher at Prairie River, Mistatim, and on the Reserve. After 13 years of married bliss Bob and Jean had Valerie and 11 months later Wayne. After having her children Jean stayed home to raise them. When they were older Jean went back to work as an educational assistant. She worked for 12 very rewarding years with Doreen Saugmyhr helping students with special needs. Jean and Bob enjoyed 64 years together. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; her family meant everything to her. Socializing with her friends and relatives were big parts of Jean's life. Her nieces were always stopping by to chat, Jean treasured these times. Jean loved camping, gardening, baking, and doing puzzles. She spent many wonderful summers at Greenwater Lake and Fishing Lake with family and friends. Jean loved watching first her children and then her grandchildren play sports. She was a grandma who believed her grandchildren were number one and had a special bond with each one of them. She always bragged that she was dealt the perfect hand of grandchildren three boys and three girls (Jordan, Levi, Jamison, Melissa, Sydney, and Madison). These last year's Jean's loving husband Bob cared for her so she could remain at home with the family. His love and devotion meant the world to her.
Jean is survived by her loving husband Bob, sister Marion (Arvin) Drechsler and brothers Ross (Ann) Ashdown, Lawrence Ashdown. She is also survived by her son Wayne and his children Jordan, Melissa, and Levi and daughter Val (Don) and children Sydney, Madison, and Jamison.
She was predeceased by her parents Elmer and May, sisters Florence and Evelyn.