“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if
it had never shone.” John Steinbeck
Our beautiful Jean died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of April 4 surrounded by love.
Born in Murrayville BC on Nov 20, 1958, Jean was the youngest child of Bud and Connie McBurnie. Her early years were spent in Smithers. At 15 she moved to Victoria where she would remain.
In 1977 she married Phil Wharram and they would go on to have three children: Adam, Robyn, and Brad. These children were Jean’s earth, moon, and stars. Following Phil’s tragic early death in 1991 Jean went to work at Gregg’s Furniture. There she met her future husband David Screech, and they built a wonderful life together while running Gregg’s Furniture & Upholstery for some 35 years.
Jean was involved in her home community of View Royal through the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society and the View Royal Community Association for many years.
She was a strong supporter of David through his many years on View Royal council and took a keen interest in many local campaigns such as the drive to protect the Sooke Potholes. She disliked the spotlight but played a strong role behind the scenes and cared deeply for these initiatives.
Jean embodied love, life, and laughter. She was a bright light in all of our lives, and her laughter could sweep away all your troubles. She was truly one of a kind.
Her home was a magnet and gathering place for family, both immediate and extended. She cared deeply about all of her family and during her recent brief illness was far more concerned about the impact on her loved ones than for herself.
Jean lived life to the fullest, always taking joy in the smallest of things. Her zest for adventure was amazing. She often said, “Just tell me what time to be ready.”
She is simply irreplaceable. Our family will never be the same, but we shall carry her with us always, ever grateful for having had her in our lives.
She was a consummate traveler, and we are so grateful she was able to travel extensively in recent years.
Jean will be missed terribly by her loving husband and soulmate David Screech, her three children Adam (Shauna), Robyn (Will ), Brad (Jonathan) and daughter-in-law Lynn; her four cherished granddaughters Regen, Kenzie, Mabel, and Claire; her brothers Bill and Brian (Shirley), her sister Patricia, and brother-in-law Martin, innumerable cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and Phil’s family with whom she remained close. She loved you all.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to both the Victoria Hospice Palliative response team and the nurses and doctors of 8 Northat the Royal Jubilee.
A memorial service will be held May 24 at the Victoria ScottishCommunity Centre, 1803 Admirals Road, View Royal at 2.30 pm.Donations, if desired, may be made to the Land Conservancy Of B.C.5150 Cordova Bay Road. Victoria, B.C. V8Y 2K6.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the Screech family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
25 Responses
Dear David and Jean’s family,
Words are totally inadequate to express my feelings about the loss of Jean. She was a treasure, gone far too soon.
Heartfelt condolences to you all.
Dear David,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family at the loss of Jean. As clients at Gregg’s Furniture, it was a pleasure to see Jean who was always gracious. How fortunate you are to have had her in your life.
Donna & John
Sincere condolences for your tremendous loss David, also a great loss for our community. Jean will indeed be remembered for her warm and radiant smile.
Her smile could light up a room. Hugs to you and yours, David.
David & family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Jean was a lovely person, with a ready smile. She will be missed.
Farewell Jean, your positive energy will be missed. Thinking of you and your family David, I hope you find strength in your family and friends and take comfort in the amazing life and love Jean leaves behind.
Thinking of you and the family David. My heart breaks for you all.
Meagan
Awe David. So sorry to hear. You were having so much fun together. My condolences my friend.
David, there are never words that can be meaningful enough, as it is you and your family, who need to support each other and remember, and celebrate how Jean was so present for so many. Take time and remember the wonderful travel expeditions you did together. All the best to you and family, she will be missed.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a lovely woman and it was obvious that you were meant for each other. I’m happy to know that you had the travels you had together, especially recently. My condolences to you and your families.