With broken hearts we share Jean passed unexpectedly at home on August 4, 2026 with husband of 47 years Claude by her side. She was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on June 15, 1956.
Family was paramount for Jean and her favourite roles in life were daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to chosen family. Jean is predeceased by her parents Gertie Jackson (Smith) and Arthur Rostek. Jean is dearly missed already by husband Claude Jolivet, daughter & son-in-law Sara & Jeff Salemink and her greatest pleasures in life, grandson Oscar Arthur & granddaughter Hazel Jean Johanna. Jean was a loving daughter-in-law & sister-in-law to the Jolivet family. She was close with many of the Smith and Rostek families who she is now reunited with in spirit.
Jean’s professional years were spent as a Certified Registered Accountant with private companies, the Province of British Columbia, and finally BC Ambulance Services. Jean’s favourite part of any workplace was the people, and many of her closest friends came into her life alongside her professional roles. No matter the role, Jean’s care for others and dedication to service is what is most often shared of her. Her kindness, wit, and sharp memory for every little detail was unmatched. Jean spent many years volunteering her time on community boards that advocate for women and girls, education, and those living with disabilities. She did this work quietly and always did so with her full heart.
Since the early 2010s, Jean spent her time caring for her parents and extended family as they spent their final years. She was selfless and loving through hard times and was a pillar of strength and a tireless advocate for those she loved.
At Jean’s request, there will not be a public service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jean’s honour to charities that uplift the education of women and girls or support those living with disabilities. Jean always championed others and could see the best in people, even if others missed it. Please celebrate her memory by loving others as she did.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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17 Responses
Deep sympathy to Claude & Family.Ruth Timnick
Dear Claude and Sara and family. I am so sorry to hear that Jean passed away. Jean was a lovely lady. Please accept my condolences. Ray Dahl
Claude,Sara,Jeff,Oscar & Hazel you are all in my thoughts.Sending you strength and peace at this difficult time. May Jean’s memory be a blessing to you all.
I greatly valued serving the St. Margaret’s community along with Jean. She was a stalwart presence in board meetings, with a quiet and insightful contribution. Jean exemplified service to her community and selfless love for her friends and family. She is much missed.
Our love is coming to you Sarah, and Jeff and your family at this time of sorrow. We have so many good family memories, that we will now think of in honour of Jean. ❤️
Claude and Sara,
I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was incredibly kind and we very much enjoyed seeing her at the train rides. She was always so warm and engaging with my own children and know that she will be missed. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Deanna, Matt, Aria and Garrett Stidston
Jean was such an incredibly kind and thoughtful person and I will miss her dearly.
Jean always made me feel so welcome, and a part of the Jolivet/Salemink Family, at every gathering.
I will forever treasure my memories of her: the encouraging support she gave me when my own Mum passed away; the thought-provoking conversations we engaged in; our love of shopping and building collections; seeing how proud she was of her beloved daughter and grandchildren; and most of all the many hearty laughs we shared!
The world lost a truly beautiful soul on August 4th when Jean was taken far too soon.
Dear Sara, Claude, Jeff, Oscar and Hazel, please know I’m holding you all in my heart and sending my deepest condolences.
Sara and Claude, Ted and I send our condolences for the heartbreaking loss of Jean an amazing woman. She will be remembered for her loving , kind and generous spirit. Hugs to you all. May her memory be a blessing
Claude, Sara, Jeff, Oscar and Hazel you are in our thoughts. Jean was a kind, caring, generous person. I am so grateful for her friendship and I will truly miss Jean and our lengthy conversations and laughter. Jean made the world brighter and a good chat always ended with an uplifting feeling! Our love to each of you.
Pam and Bob
I’m so sorry Jean’s family. I cleaned their house for awhile and was so sad she passed. I talked to her a few days before and she seemed like her normal self eager to go home. She was a beautiful person inside and out and a great family that she talked about all the time and I loved hearing stories. Claude and Sara I know she was proud of both of you. Hugs to the family.