Jean (aka Grandma Jean) was born in Edwin, Manitoba and grew up in nearby Dauphin. She worked for the Dept of Veterans Affairs in Ottawa and trained as a nurse in Vancouver before meeting her husband to be, Emil (Slug) Rich, who with his brother Freddie horse logged in the Horsefly area. They married in August 1951. They would have three sons and Jean raised her family at their mill, Crescent Lumber, located on Slater Mountain prior to relocating to the house they built at Comer Hill. There was a later move to South Lakeside, and finally after divorce in 1978, Jean settled into Highwood Park, and then in 1985 moved to her forever home where she tenaciously lived until her passing “the next time I move it will be six feet under”!
Jean spent many hours volunteering and found much joy in giving a helping hand to; Glendale school library, supporting many bake sales and supplying the teacher’s with fresh bread. She babysat for friends and church members, delivered Meals on Wheels, and baked for the Seniors Activity Centre. She was a long time member of the Skyline WI, Royal Canadian Legion Auxiliary, Seniors Centre & the OAPO.
Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting and ceramics from which she lovingly created countless blankets, mittens, socks, scarves, adorable baby outfits and knick knacks that were usually donated to the hospital, seniors centre, or given away to family and friends. The annual spring return of the many birds to her feeders on her deck was cause for much celebration and happiness. Events such as Church Gatherings, Saturday Bingo at the Seniors Centre, and charging around town with bff`s in her little red Chevette would get Jean out of her favourite chair and briefly away from her Soaps, Jeopardy, Mystery Shows, Solitaire, making lists and writing in her diaries.
She will now watch over her family from above: {Allan (Eva), Suzanne (James), Calvin (Kelly) [Ethan, Austin, Chloe, Ashton], Derek( Jaclyn)}; {Brian (Kathy), Jennifer (Dave)}; {Wayne (Deanna) Michelle (Chris) [Adam , Katelyn], Corrie (Curtis), [Bowen]}. Jean is predeceased by her parents James & May Graham, sister Nellie, brother’s Harold, Albert, & Len (TUGREEBA), husband Emil & daughter-in-law Eva.
Jean touched the hearts of so many and we will all remember her streak of stubbornness, her infectious laughter, loving spirit and big hugs. It takes a community of many people, professionals, and loving friends to support an `independent senior`. The family extends huge hugs and thanks to the many special people who gave of their time so generously over the years: Home Care Workers, Meals on Wheels Volunteers, LifeLine, Better at Home, Mormon Church members, fellow Gardner Court residents, Doctors York and Ruane, Lee at WL Hearing Clinic, and countless others (you know who you are) who helped support us in so many ways, fulfilling Mom’s wish to remain living on her own. A shout out to Norm Denny, Ray Shields & the Taylor Automotive Team for keeping the pistons purring on that little red 1980 Chevette for 30+ yrs as well .
“Give Me a Hug”
Services will be held at 1 pm on March 9th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3039 Edwards Drive, with interment to follow at the Williams Lake Cemetery.
Those wishing to honor Jean’s memory may do so by way of donation to the Senior’s Centre or to a charity of their choice.