A legacy of faith, love, and service

2 Timothy 4:7–8

​7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Today, we gather in love, memory, and gratitude as we reflect on the lives of two remarkable women of faith, Jeanne Tucker and Rona Windsor. Both left deep footprints of faith, service, and love, not only in their families but also in their churches, communities, and beyond.

Though they have gone to be with the Lord, their lives remind us of what it means to live as Paul describes: to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith.

Many of us here at New Hope Free Methodist Church have fond memories of Jeanne. Though she had not attended our church for several years, she was very much a part of this family. She gave herself tirelessly, always with joy.

Jeanne was a key leader in fundraising for Londa’s House in Malawi, a ministry close to her heart. She even traveled to Africa to see the fruits of that labor, a testimony of her hands-on faith. Jeanne and her late husband, Rev. Craig Tucker (1947–1999), served God faithfully as pastors in Gravenhurst and Huntsville, and later as missionaries in Malawi. It was in that place of service that Craig went home to be with the Lord.

Her service, her laughter, her fun-loving spirit, and her love for the Lord made Jeanne a joy to share ministry with. Gary and Jeanne had the privilege of sharing the pulpit with New Hope during a pastoral transition. Her sense of humor, her heart for people, and her faith in Christ shone brightly. She will be missed deeply by her family, by our church family, and by countless friends.

We also pause to give thanks for the life of Rona Windsor, who went to be with the Lord after celebrating her 89th birthday on August 7. Rona was known for her warmth, love, and generosity.

Her children and grandchildren remember her as a caregiver to all, family, friends, and neighbors alike. In her days in Etobicoke, if someone needed help, Rona was there, with a gift, a meal, or simply her presence. She had that million-dollar smile and a laugh that was contagious.

She was the best storyteller; the kind of person people gravitated towards because she radiated joy. Even through illness, she didn’t complain but kept a brave face for those she loved. Her daughter describes her as a cheerleader, protector, and best friend. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, and the bond she shared with little Kaezyn was especially full of love.

Today, her family carries the grief of losing their biggest cheerleader, but also the gratitude of having had a mother and grandmother who embodied Christ’s love so tangibly.

Jeanne and Rona both loved deeply, served faithfully, and lifted others with joy and humor. They were pillars of support, encouragers, and caregivers in their own unique ways. Both were supporters of Severn Bridge Camp and of ministries that extended God’s kingdom here and abroad.

What unites their lives is not only what they did but who they followed, their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They lived out His command to love God and love neighbor.

Scripture assures us that “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15). We grieve, but not as those without hope. Jeanne and Rona are now in the presence of Christ, welcomed with the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

For us who remain, their lives call us to carry forward their legacy of serving with joy, loving with sincerity, and giving ourselves fully to God’s work.

As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Today, we thank God for Jeanne and Rona. We pray comfort for the Tucker family and the Windsor family, asking that God surround them with His peace and strength. And we ask that the Lord inspire us through their examples to live lives of faith, love, and service.