Jean passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 12, 2018. She was born in Vancouver on July 9, 1948. Jean is survived by her daughters Erin (James) and Leah (Ryan) and her granddaughter Adele. She will be missed by many other relatives and friends.
Jean was very passionate about education, both in her own betterment as evidenced by her masters and doctorate degrees and through her dedicated career in the Coquitlam public school system. There was nothing Jean enjoyed more than spending time with her family and close friends. Her inspiration and influence have left an indelible mark on all the lives she touched.
A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or Parkinson Society of BC.
Her family would like to thank the staff at the Victoria Hospice and Cancer Agency for the care and kindness they showed her.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
33 Responses
Leah and Erin
Your mom was so proud of you. I was fortunate to begin my administrative career at Gleneagle and work with Jean in her final semester before retirement. I appreciated her wisdom and enthusiasm. Her warmth and genuine concern for the staff and students was obvious and she touched the hearts of many. My sincere condolences.
Jean was a recent friend that I was lucky enough to meet at the Crag X climbing gym in Victoria. She and her climbing partner Andrea were kind enough to reach out to me ( a recent island trasplant) when I was looking for people to climb with. I was so impressed with Jean – funny, smart, softspoken and determined – at 70 she was learning to climb – despite having Parkinsons. And she was good at it! Jean was a class act. I always felt more relaxed after spending time with her. What struck me too was the affection with which she talked of her daughters and granddaughter – it makes my heart smile to think of it. I was so fortunate to have met Jean and gotten to know her (if very briefly). My condolences to all her family and friends- I believe she will be missed by a great many.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family. Jean was a lovely, lovely lady. Sad to see a good friend has passed. Rest In Peace Jean – you made this world a better place.
I worked with Jean when I was in Coquitlam School Disrict. I remember her laughter, her compassion and her integrity. My thoughts are with her friends and family. Her gentle soul will be missed.
I am sorry to learn of Jean’s passing. I knew her from our shared time as administrators in Coquitlam. Her passion for her work and her kindness to others are the lovely memories I have of Jean. Yet, it is her smile that radiated through her eyes as a bit of impishness that makes me smile as I think of her.
Jean and I were at UBC’s doctoral program together, and formed a close relationship during this time. We got together quite often in Vancouver after our graduation, and when Jean moved to Victoria and I moved to Toronto, we often talked over the telephone. Erin and Leah – Jean talked about the both of you so fondly, and always had something to share about Adele. My grand-daughter Niyah is a year younger than Adele, and Jean and I shared many stories of our grand-daughters. My deepest condolences to all of you. I will dearly miss my good friend Jean – may her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!
My sincere condolences. Jean was among my very favourite administrators. She was compassionate, dedicated, and always supportive. The world has lost a great human being who’s positive energy effected Gleneagle Secondary School for many years.
Doug Mancell
To Erin, James, Leah, Ryan and Adele,
Your mother was a very special lady who will be dearly missed but we are happy she is no longer suffering. You all meant the world to her and it meant everything to her to be involved in Adele’s life even if just for a short time.
We certainly cherish the happy times we spent together over the years, and Kelly and Deborah remember her as a caring Brown Owl.
Our deepest condolences to you all from Anne, Bill, Kelly and Deborah.
Jean and I shared a friendship that spanned 58 years. We have been particularly close these past few months. Our last email conversation was Sunday. I will miss her friendship deeply. To make matters worse I am currently on a cruise and will not be home in time for her service which disappoints me greatly….. Please know that my heart is with you and I will be in touch when I get back to Canada.
Also a member of the 2000 Doctoral cohort, I so admired Jean! She was lovely, intelligent, and warm. I know that all of her family, friends, and colleagues will miss her greatly. Sending condolences to those closest to Jean, and wishing you the peace that comes from precious memories of time with your dearly loved one. Carol McFadyen.