JAQUES, Maureen —The family and friends of Maureen Jaques are grateful to have had a few days to say our goodbyes as Maureen gently came to the end of her long and courageous struggle with failing health. Maureen passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 22, 2016 with her family holding her hands. Maureen and her twin brother, John, were born on a lovely spring day in 1955. They remained close ever after, revelling in a lifelong argument about who was born first. A talented artist, Maureen graduated from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College in art education. She worked in advertising in the Toronto area, initially in a small advertising company, before joining Wardair and eventually becoming their Art Director. Upon moving to Cobourg, she was the Art Director for an advertising firm in Port Hope and displayed her art for several years at the Cobourg Waterfront Festival. More recently, Maureen was with the regional Public Health Unit and the Community Care Access Centre as the Graphic Designer for their communications materials. Much loved by everyone who knew her, Maureen was known for her feisty nature, her optimistic outlook, her courage in facing many health challenges and her infectious giggle. She was devastated by the death of her mother, Harriet, in the spring and now Maureen's family – her father, John, her sisters, Kathleen and Jane (Mike Gaudet) and her brother John (Marla Morrison) – and her many friends are left to mourn her passing. Maureen's nieces and nephews will carry with them the most affectionate memories of their beloved Aunt Beanie. On Thursday, December 29th, a celebration of Maureen's life will begin with visitation at 2:00, service at 3:00 p.m. and a reception at the Turner and Porter Peel Chapel at 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga. In recognition of the exemplary care she received in Northumberland, donations to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation will be appreciated by Maureen's family.