Jeannette Winnie Louie

Jeannette Winnie Louie (née Lee) passed away on January 19, 2017, one day short of her 77th birthday in Calgary, Alberta. Jeannette was born in Claresholm, Alberta, but was raised and educated in Calgary. She was the eldest daughter of William and Lily Lee. She has been “on the go” since she was old enough to babysit her younger siblings. She learned to be a bookkeeper and accounting clerk, which took her to Toronto in 1962. She said the move was for adventure and work but more likely it was to encourage her future husband, Edward, to set out on a cross-country trip, driving 36 hours to declare his love for her. They were married in Calgary on May 19, 1963. Her quest to see, learn and do took her from oceans to mountaintops with family and friends. When she was at home in Calgary or Vancouver, her house was the place to gather for a gourmet meal. Jeannette excelled in crafts and sewing. Her creations evolved from Halloween and dance costumes to quilts, aprons and duvet covers. In recent years, she enjoyed creating handmade gifts for her grandchildren, as well as blankets and change pads for the children of family and friends. She took pride in everything she did and instilled this in her children and others whose lives she touched. Even when she had health issues, she was determined to keep on the move, often outdoing those younger than her. She diligently sought to stay connected and informed about the lives of her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She’ll always be remembered for her infectious laugh, energetic personality and exceptional ability to mobilize and organize her extended family. Jeannette is survived by her loving husband Edward; her children Brian (Shannan), Karen (Clarence) and Shauna (Jason); her grandchildren Evan, Natalie, Grayson, Acacia, Noah and Keira; her sister Darlene and brother Donald. She is predeceased by her parents William and Lily Lee, her brother Daniel, and sister Debbie. Jeannette loved cycling and hiking. After suffering an illness in 2014, Jeannette dreamed of hiking in the Rocky Mountains with her children and grandchildren by her side. Her fight and determination allowed her dream to come true in 2015. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (www.cpaws.org). A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery). Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.