Jean died peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on August 27th, 2026, in Victoria, BC, cutting short the life of a most loving, caring and generous person. Jean was born December 8, 1952, in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Jean is survived by her husband, Bob, and her children Heather (Mark) Arkell, Laura (Trent) Dooley and Carolyn (James) Macdonald; grandchildren Madison Dooley, Mikayla Dooley, Laurel Arkell, Eli Arkell and Lark Macdonald. She will be sorely missed by many other relatives and friends.
Jean grew up in Niagara Falls and moved to Toronto to attend the Shaw Business College. When visiting a friend attending the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Jean and Bob first met at a dance on March 18, 1972. That meeting led to their marriage following Bob’s graduation. Jean and Bob were married for over 51 years. After they married, they lived in Toronto for a few years where Jean worked as a legal secretary. They then moved to Calgary in 1977 where they raised their family. Jean and Bob then moved to Victoria in 2007 where they have resided since.
Jean was blessed with five grandchildren whom she loved dearly and brought her incredible joy. She was Grandma Jean to all her grandchildren except the youngest grandchild, Lark, who gave Jean the name Gia.
Jean was most skilled at sewing and crafts and produced many beautiful quilts, purses and bags. Jean enjoyed her weekly walks and bicycle rides with her friends. Most other days she would walk with Bob, always with a coffee destination in mind. Jean enjoyed playing social bridge with her girlfriends and with other couples. Jean was an avid reader of murder mystery novels and Jean and Bob enjoyed watching murder mystery shows together in the evening. She loved doing puzzles and crosswords. While in Calgary, Bob and Jean attended many Calgary Stampeder games. This love of the Canadian Football League continued after moving to Victoria and many hours were spent with Bob in watching games every weekend. Jean spent many hours tending to her beautiful backyard gardens which grew well with her love and attention. Jean excelled in the kitchen and loved to bake and make preserves from the vegetables grown in her garden.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Thursday, September 3rd at 3:00 pm. In honour of Jean, we invite you to wear a touch of purple, Jean’s favourite colour.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation – Cancer Care or to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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13 Responses
Dearest Bob and family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Jean.
She was truly an exceptional person and it was an honour to have spent so many happy hours with her. She really did make the world a better place. I can’t even imagine how much you will miss her.
Thinking of you all
Brenda and Ian Walker
Dear Bob, Carolyn, Heather, Laura and family. We are so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing – we weren’t aware she was sick. She will be missed so dearly.
What a treasure she was in so many ways. I will always remember her for her unconditional and non-judgemental love and acceptance. She had the most beautiful way of making me and my family welcome and loved. I was so sad when she and Bob decided to move from Calgary, though i did totally understand (I don’t think I ever admitted that though). But when we got together in Victoria, we were able to pick up where we left off, whether we were sharing the “latest” on our kids, swapping recipes or talking quilting. She will always be rememberd for her kindness and her unwavering love of family and friends. Our world has been a better place, cuz Jean was in it. She was a true gift. Love and hugs to all.
Bob, our hearts go out to you and your family. We had only a brief encounter with Jean in our inaugural year with the Friendship Group and were so looking forward to deepening our connection. Losing the love of your life leaves a profound grief and a deep hole where once resided the joy and contentment of life shared. We are so sorry for the pain to be endured and send you much love as you navigate this tender journey.