Jean Perdue, 98, a resident at Chartwell Scarlett Heights, is a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division. Jean joined the Air Force in 1941 when she was just 17 years old. She started out at Shaw’s Business College in Toronto before heading to Ottawa to learn how to march and handle firearms. She was eventually stationed in Weyburn, Saskatchewan where she worked in a control tower as a typist. After the Air Force, Jean moved back to Toronto and got married, had two children, and spent much of her career working for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Since moving into Chartwell Scarlett Heights more than 15 years ago, Jean has remained an active member of the community. She participates in many activities and enjoys volunteering with children’s organizations and within Chartwell. Back when she was an active service member, she had the opportunity to fly in a Harvard plane as part of a test flight. It was an amazing experience and one that she never forgot. As the years went on, Jean often daydreamed about flying again, but never had the opportunity to do so. Jean remembers her time in the Air Force with great pride and nostalgia and has always hoped to fly in a Harvard plane once again, just like the one she took for a test ride in the 1940s.
Thanks to The Chartwell Foundation, on May 8th, 2023, Jean was able to take flight once again in a Harvard plane while surrounded by her loved ones!
“Thank you, Scarlett Heights, Chartwell, the crew, the people, my friends, my family – I just love each and every one of you”
