Jill passed away peacefully on April 19, 2021 at the age of 78. She leaves behind her loving husband Barry, whom she was married to for 55 years, her son Kevin (Cynthia), daughter Tisha, granddaughters Hannah, Kailee, Phoebe, Madeline and Caitlin, and her brother Terry Boorman (Claudia). Jill had an early passion for art and she evolved into an accomplished and well-known Canadian nature artist. Her paintings expressed realism and exhibited the colours and abundance of Vancouver Island as well as the places she travelled to. Jill completed many private commissions, was an “artist in residence” on the SS Universe to Alaska and taught painting throughout Greater Victoria, including at her home studios. She was a long-time member of several art clubs and associations, including the Federation of Canadian Artists, Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts, the Victoria Sketch Club and was an enthusiastic member of the Victoria Plein Air painter’s group, called the Al Frescoes of Victoria.
Her favourite place was always at home in her garden and in her studio and she hosted many paint-ins in her garden with other notable artists. Jill was extremely creative in all areas of her life, was a vivid storyteller and maintained her love of art and the experience and tranquility that this brought into her life. She and her husband enjoyed travelling, Jill loved to see new places, to put her feet in the sand and to swim in warm ocean waters. In later years, they ventured up and down the island in their RV and spent summers with friends at Westwood Lake. Jill was the much-loved matriarch of the Slagboom family. Birthdays and special occasions always required special attention and an excuse to have family and friends over. These gatherings were central to her life and happiness, as were the many dear friendships she gained over the years. Jill’s presence, warmth, and compassion will be missed by many whose lives she has touched and by the legacy of her paintings.
A Memorial Service was held in person for the immediate family at McCall Gardens on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1pm. A recording of the service can be found below.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
29 Responses
Dear Barry & Family
We were so sorry to hear about Jill’s passing. We’ll all miss her very much but none so much as you. She was totally devoted to her family and friends and we were all lucky to have her in our lives. We have wonderful memories of great times together.
The world has lost such an incredible person – wife, mother, grandmother, friend, artist and entertainer. We could go on forever it seems. Jill won’t be forgotten.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Barry and family
Jill was a true friend for life.
This message describes her so well.
If more people were like you
There would be more birds singing
More flowers blooming
More hugs happening
More kind words spoken
More reasons to celebrate each dayR
Barry we are thinking of you and sending hugs to you and your family
Ron & Donna
Keith and Maureen
Dear Barry, Terry and family
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. As one of the Boorman clan she will be missed by all of us. Lots of good memories of early days especially the Christmas morning family gatherings. Most recently Maureen and I had the pleasure to reunite and catch up just prior to Jill’s health declining.
With our sympathy,
Love Keith and Maureen
Dear Barry and family: We are saddened to read of Jill’s passing. Jill was a wonderful person, always ready for a good laugh and a good story, and much sought-after and appreciated in the arts community. We have fond memories of the years we all spent on Brousson Drive as good neighbours who enjoyed each other’s company immensely. We send you and your family our condolences and our hopes for better days ahead. Trevor and Jacquie Jones
Barry, sending thoughts and condolences to you and your family at this sad time. Remembering some of the good times we shared together many years ago in the Victoria Empress Lions Club.
Lois and Don Jones
Dear Barry, Kevin and Tisha,
I was so deeply saddened to hear that Jill passed away recently.
I have known Jill for many years—actually, we met in Grade 1 in Miss Griffin’s class at Monterey School!
After pursuing different careers, it was so nice to meet Jill once again in recent years at our High School Reunion luncheons. I so enjoyed her great sense of humour, and we shared many laughs particularly when discussing our school years!
Jill had such a full life and accomplished so much!!
She had an amazing career and will always be remembered as an extremely gifted and distinguished Artist! Jill will be greatly missed by us all.
My thoughts are with you, and I send along my deepest sympathy to you and all the family.
Valerie Watkin
I have fond memories of my cousin Jill, especially the Christmas mornings we all spent together having a great time while the parents relaxed. Unfortunately I have lost contact with most of my Boorman cousins and just made contact with Sandy (King). I moved from Victoria in the early 70s and have lived in Campbell River for the past 34 years and only getting back to Victoria for various meetings and unfortunately never catching up with family and I regret this now as we all get older. Jill will be missed. My condolences to the Slagboom family, Barry and Terry and Claudia
Our condolences to you Barry and all your family.
Jill was a beautiful person and an encouraging friend to me. We painted together
in Tofino some years back. I knew her since we were age three in Oak Bay. We visited
each other over the years although living far apart. I will miss her.
Love, Lynne and Elliot
We are sorry for the loss of Jill in your lives. We enjoyed seeing her at times over the years when we were at Terry and Claudia’s for special occasions. She will be missed by so many whose lives she touched.
Barry:
So sorry to hear of Jill’s death. She was a cherished member of our ’60 grad class of Oak Bay High. It was nice for me to reconnect with her while you were contracting our Victoria condo renovations and see you in your lovely homes with her talents displayed.
May memories of happy times together and with your family sustain you now and in the years to come.
With our sympathy,
John (and Betty) Youson