Through out our lives people come and go, but of those that remain some become life long friends. This was true of Jean and my Mum Vera. Without their friendship I don’t think I would have ever visited Canada. So I want to say thank you Jean (and your family) for giving me such wonderful memories. You will be missed. R.I.P

Jean and I first became friends when we both worked in the kitchen of Westlands School in Sittingbourne Kent, UK, nearly 60 years ago. We had children of the same age and our husbands, Bill and Allan seemed to click on first meeting. Following Jean and Allan's move to Canada it is a friendship which has lasted across the years and across the miles. It was sustained at first by tape recorded messages sent across the Atlantic (one hour of one sided chatter and news). Later regular phone calls were interspersed by frequent visits. I will always be grateful to Jean for the visit they made to us in the last few months of Bill's life. It gave him such a boost and was a real support to me. When both our husbands had passed away the frequent contact became even more important to us. We were each others confidantes. I will miss my friend more than words can say.

My Auntie Jeannie was so loving, accepting, kind and encouraging and hilarious. I will miss the lunches that Jeannie and Christine and I shared. We would crack up laughing. We would talk about how everyone else was doing while we ate. Jeannie ordered this massive English breakfast. I thought she would never be able to finish but she did. It was astonishing. So I am grateful beyond measure to have had the time with her. Gary and Susan I am so sorry. I know we expected it but it's just so final. I will wear my earrings and necklace from Jeannie for every special occasion. The last time I saw her, we knew it would be the last time and she gifted me a very dainty sapphire and diamond set. She put it in front of me and she said it was to remember her by. As I left her home she reached over and put her very cold hands on mine and she said I love you Caroline. I loved her too.

Jean and Allan were both wonderful in-laws. They made me feel welcome and loved from the start. Jean enjoyed spending time with her family, sharing meals, babysitting the grandchildren, camping and so much more. She kept my children well dressed in hand knit clothing, they were the best dressed around. My Children adored her. As they grew and time passed she was always a big part of our family, we enjoyed her visits, playing games, having tea parties, birthday parties, christmases and so much more. She was always game for whatever we did. She was very loved and will be missed. She lived her life to its fullest.

Her loving daughter-in-law

Susan

There are so many things I forgot to say when writing the obituary. Jean was such a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to so many. Jean had many fond memories of trips to visit her brother, sister, (husband and family) in both Salmon Arm BC and later in Victoria BC. Also trips to Nova Scotia visiting her daughter and family. As well stays in the Crowsnest Pass AB with son, daughter in law grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all.

Gary Andrews.