Jean Winifred (Humphreys) Mills was dealt her final hand on Saturday, July 25, 2026, when she passed away peacefully at South Huron Hospital in Exeter at the age of 96.
An avid card player, Jean was affectionately known as “The Queen” by her daughters, Gwen Bestard, Heather Montgomery, and Connie Sararas. She has now reunited with her “King,” Carl Frederick Mills, her beloved husband of 69 years who passed away in 2020.
Jean leaves behind a full house of family, in addition to her daughters: sons-in-law Robert Bray, Bill Montgomery, and Don Sararas; grandchildren Colin (Jennifer) Bowers, Alyshia (Darryl) McAfee, Laura (Emmanuel) Asafo-Adjei, Neil (Jenna) Bestard, Cheryl (Brian) Harrigan, Hilary Sararas, and Amy (Mark) Miotto; sister Helen Shute; sister-in-law Shirley Dann; brothers-in-law Douglas (Shirley) Mills and David (Doris) Mills; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Those who folded their hands before her include sons-in-law Rick Bowers and Brian Bestard; brothers-in-law Mervin Shute, Joseph Dann, and Leonard Mills; sister-in-law Shirley Mills; and her parents, Eric Humphreys and Greta (Brock) Harah.
Jean loved every card game ever suggested. She was also a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Exeter United Church Women, where she helped prepare countless community meals. An exceptional cook and baker, she delighted in gathering family and friends around her table, where a card game almost always followed.
Food service was the cornerstone of Jean’s working life. Her love of baking began in her parents’ “Humphreys Bakery.” The ace in Jean’s hand was her outgoing personality, generous hospitality, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Those gifts helped her build lifelong friendships that became her trump cards.
The family extends their sincerest thanks to the staff at South Huron Hospital and the Exeter Villa for their compassion and support for Jean.
Though her final hand has been played, the love she dealt to family and friends will remain in their hearts forever.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on Thursday, July 30th at 11 AM at the Exeter Cemetery, 39650 Dashwood Rd, Hay (please enter through the gates on Airport Line). A celebration of Jean’s life will follow at the Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER from 12 to 3 PM, with words of remembrance beginning at 1 PM.
If memorial donations are desired, please consider the South Huron Hospital Foundation or Jessica’s House.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Mary Lou Thomson
Deepest condolences on the loss of your precious Mother, Grandma & GG. She was a special lady and I will miss our visits.
💕Jack & Mary Lou
Barry & Melonie Miller
Gwen, Heather, Connie & families
What a gal… Jean & I often worked together with Jennie. Jeans love of cooking and fun fit right with us ..
She certainly was one of a kind & will always be remembered
Ken Farwell
My sincere condolences on your mom’s passing
Kim dube
My sincere condolences to the family. Jean was the most kindest and loving person I’m so glad I got to know Jean I had a lot of good laughs with her. But most of all the respect she showed to all of us at the Villa she was a remarkable lady and I will miss her. It’s was a great honour going and helping her I will that the most.
Randy and Carolyn Gilfillan
Condolences to Jean’s family. She was a lovely women with a great sense of humor. I had the privilege of playing bridge with her a few times and always enjoyed it. Your parents were great neighbours on Huron Street for many years.
Hugs to all.
Margaret Prout
To the Mills family….
My sincere condolences to Jean’s family and to Jean’s friends. Over the years we have made many memories of church bazaar preparations and social activities involving many bridge games, both Tuesday and our Wednesday internet bridge games.
I shall treasure my memories of this very kind, gentle, and wonderful lady. May Jeans’s memory be a blessing.
Alex Westman
I have so many fond memories of Jean and Carl over the years. She was a wonderfull lady. My sincere condolences to the family.
Kim dube
My sincere condolences to the family. Jean was the most kindest and loving person I’m so glad I got to know Jean I had a lot of good laughs with her. But most of all the respect she showed to all of us at the Villa she was a remarkable lady and I will miss her. It was a great honour going and helping you I will that the most.
Julia and Earl Martene
Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Jean’s passing. She has been a dear friend and support to generations of our family. Our condolences to all of her family.
A beautiful angel has gained her wings.
Sue Wilson
Gwen, Heather, Connie and families, Helen and family, heartfelt condolences on your loss. Jean was a friendly lady who always had a smile, for everyone she met. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Triebner
Gwen, Heather, Connie and families,
I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She always made a point of wanting me to sit for a moment with coffee in hand for a quick chat on my family and to tell me of you girls and what was going on in your lives. She loved you lots. Deepest sympathy.
Bonnie Manders
Sincere Sympathy to Jean’s Family. She was a very kind and caring person. Jean will be missed. I live at the Exeter Villa.
Jane Broderick
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Gwen. Condolences to your entire family.
Jane Broderick
Mary Wright
Jean was a remarkable lady whose kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength touched so many lives. I will always treasure our friendship, our many games of cribbage, and the laughter and the conversations we shared. Jean gave me strength when I most needed it.
She lived a life of grace and service, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Rest in peace, dear Jean. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Mary Wright
judy Hayward
One of the best! Sending hugs and condolences to you all, it’s been a long time, but I will never forget her,so kind and caring, in the past we had some wonderful chats,
Most sincerely, Judy ( Jory) Hayward
Bobbi V
Gwen, Heather, Connie,
My sincere condolences to you and your families.
It was truly a privilege to meet and care for Jean. I will cherish our friendship.
Please know my thoughts are with you, and I hope you find comfort in the love and memories you shared together.
Sandra Idle
Gwen, Heather, Connie and families,
We will truly miss our friendship with Jean. She was kind and welcoming to us when we moved back to Exeter. She was a dear friend to Larry’s mother. A life well lived.
Sandra & Larry Idle
Maureen Wood
My Sincere Condolences Gwen , Played many games of Bridge with Jean & she taught me many things
She Certainly will be Missed by her many Friends.
R I P Jean , No more pain
Joyce Black
Jean was a wonderful lady and showed kindness to everyone. Many years ago when I was working Velma Carroll would have morning coffee with Jean Mills, Millie Jones, Belva Rowe, Beatrice Richardson, Dorothy Ratcliffe and Velma would have me pop in for a coffee. Those ladies had so much fun together laughing and eating Velma’s delicious homemade tea biscuits and jam. I have fond memories of each one of those ladies. Jean is going to be missed by everyone. Sincere sympathy to her daughters and their families in the passing of a loving Mom/Grandmother. Thinking of you all.
Karen Dickins and Bill Heather
Our deepest condolences, have known Jean through cards and at the Villa, she will be missed by all who knew her.
Alice and Jerry MacLean
To Gwen,Heather,Connie and extended Family,we offer condolences.
Over the years I played many games of bridge with Jean.She was always so patient,and so much fun ! She made a great cup of tea, we had great chats
She would tell us how her girls were doing…..she loved her family so very much.
She lived a good life and was a wonderful Mom….treasure the years you had with her ,she was one of the best.
Rest in peace Jean
Peter McFalls
the Mills family,
Jean was a very friendly woman and will be missed by many. Please accept my condolence.
Peter McFalls
Barb Beckett
To the Mills family.
We were truly blessed to have Jean and Carl for neighbours.
We shared in some delicious meals prepared by Jean.
I was fortunate to visit Jean at the Villa.
She was always positive and true inspiration to everyone.
Glad she is pain free and at rest.
I will miss her!
Paul and Sue Robinson
Dear Helen and Jean’s Family, So very sorry to hear of the passing of Jean. She was an Angel here on earth and will be a top Angel in Heaven. She is dealing the cards and laughing her special laugh. Our sincerest condolences, Paul and Sue Robinson.
Jim/Yvonne Barnetson
So sorry for your loss Gwen and family!
Such a lovely lady ! RIP Jean!
From Yvonne (Fisher) Barnetson!
Jane & Len Muegge
To all the Mills family – so sorry for your loss
Kim Pinder
Jean’s Family
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Such a friendly lovely lady. I always enjoyed our chats at church or in the community. Thinking of you all.
Wanda C Reynolds
To all Jean’s Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Wanda Reynolds
Evelyn Elder
I’ll always remember how Jean made me feel so welcome as a new member of the order of the Eastern Star. She was so very sweet and kind!! She will be greatly missed!! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends!
Brian @Janet Wedlake
I played many games with Jean. She sure was a sharp player. She was a friend of my mother Belve Rowe who passed many years ago. Jean never forgot a name she was amazing .
Our sympathies to all the family. she will be missed by all.
Steve Baynham
My sincerest condolences
Larry and Faye Skinner
To the Mills family:
Our sincere condolences. It was always a pleasure speaking with Jean whenever we ran into each other. We are thinking of you at this time.
Tim & Carole Alce
Dear Heather, Bill and Family,
It is never easy to lose your mother, your first friend and everlasting supporter. We know you will have many wonderful memories to sustain you in this time of grief. Thinking of you with love,
Deb Campbell
To Gwen and family:
Sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. Countless community meals are mentioned and I remember the endless meat pies created. She was leader of the meat pie ladies and my Mom was a devoted member of the group. May your memories be a blessing. A hug from here.
Dennis & Joan Duncan
All the Mills family
So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to you all. Your Mom was a great woman and role model. We enjoyed our visitswith herm and your Dad, Relish all the great momories.
Grant Thomson
My thoughts are with you at this time
David and Cathie Paul
We are saddened to read this news about Jean. She was such a lovely woman who brightened the day for everyone. Keep all of your happy times close. May her memory be a blessing.
Scott & Mary Ann Boyle (New Brunswick)
The Mills Family. To us Jean will always be remembered as the smiling and friendly cafeteria lady during our years at SHDHS. Carl and her were also very good friends with my parents who were also in the Eastern Star and the Masons. She was a lovely lady. Our sincere condolences.
Kate Monk
Sincere condolences to you on Jean’s passing. Your family and our community has lost a treasure who will be missed and not forgotten.
Grace and peace.
Ross and Marilyn Robinson
Jeans Family
Our deepest sympathy at this sad time, I had a nice visit with Jean a couple weeks ago at the Villa, thinking of everyone.
Susan Turnbull
Jean’s smile and warm welcome were a shining light to me – every time I saw her — including the last time I dropped in to see her when I was down to the Villa this past May. And how tolerant she was during all those sleepovers during high school, Gwen!
My prayers are with you all oxo
Brian & Lynda Sanders
Sweet sweet lady Jean will sure be missed Our sympathies to all the family
Barb Oud
Gwen, Heather, Connie, our condolences, may your mom be at peace. We are never ready to lose a great neighbour and friend, even at 96. She brought us joy, laughter, and wisdom. I was forever interrupting her enjoying a ball game, curling, crib or cards. I will miss our weekly visits. You meant the world to our family. ❤️ Barb, Rob, Brett, Cam, Bailey Oud and families In Jeans own words “Parting is such sweet sorrow”
Brenda (Brunzlow) and Kevin Regier
Deepest Sympathies. What a legacy of great memories your mom is leaving your families. She was so kind and friendly whenever I saw her. She will be missed.
Hollie
I called her my mom!!
She was such a special person!! I will miss her but not near as much as her great family! Rest in peace “Mom”!
Linda Mills
Sending my condolences to Jean’s family. She lived a full life which truly is a blessing. I’m proud to have known her. Rest in eternal peace Jean
Mike Higgins
A very nice and kind lady, RIP to a great lady
Sara Guerin
Jean was a lovely woman I was happy to meet many many times over the long years of my friendship with her granddaughter. Whenever we saw each other she asked after my family and was interested in hearing all the news. She was kind, supportive and thoughtful. My deepest condolences to Alyshia & Gwen and all of the rest of her family who will surely miss her.
Larry & Sandra Hern
We are so sorry to have to bid farewell to our dear friend, Jean. She & Carl sponsored us into Eastern Star, and she was our biggest cheerleader throughout the years! She was such an amazing lady that will be dearly missed, but will always be remembered in our hearts. It gives us some comfort knowing that she and her beloved Carl are once again reunited. Our sincere condolences to all her loved ones.❤️
Evelyn Vincent
To Jean’s family
Sincere sympathy to each of you.
charlene edwards
I am so sorry to hear this news. Jean taught me so much when we were catering at Star. She was a mentor to me as a new member. Every time I use a spatula I hear her say it is a rubber scraper! She will be mussed