Jean Paolella

Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Jean was just 21 years old when she made the brave decision to leave home and begin a new life in Canada. Jean had met Fausto Paolella in Scotland before he moved to Canada, and six months later, Jean followed across the Atlantic to Vancouver. They married in 1956 and would go on to share 70 years of marriage, three children, and a life filled with big changes, taken on together.

Although Canada became her home, Jean never lost her Scottish accent or the unmistakable Scottish spirit that came with it.

Jean was independent, hardworking and never afraid to stand up for herself or the people she loved. In Vancouver, she worked as a seamstress at Eaton’s Department Store while she and Fausto built their early life together. They welcomed three children, Ronald, Marco and Rina and settled on Vancouver’s West Side. Jean was Fausto’s partner not just at home but was in involved and supported him through his years of business.

In 1972, Fausto took Jean for a drive to rural Langley. Jean thought they were stopping to ask for directions but in fact, Fausto had bought a 17-acre farm and this was to be their new home. It was perhaps one of the better examples of Jean’s remarkable ability to take on whatever life put in front of her.

Jean embraced the move from Glasgow to Vancouver and then from the city to a farm in rural Langley. The farm filled up with horses, cows, goats and chickens, and it has been the family home for over 50 years. It was the scene of barn dances, family weddings, many family dinners, and her beautiful roses. It was where she and Fausto shared their life, and where she watched three generations grow up: her children, her grandchildren and, later, her great-grandchildren.

Jean gave her time generously. She volunteered with the Pacific Riding for Disabled Association, Penny Pinchers Thrift Store, and the Langley hospital gift shop. Alongside Fausto, she was also a founding member of the Fraser Valley Italo-Canadian Society, helping establish an Italian community that became an important part of their lives in the Fraser Valley.

Jean and Fausto loved to travel for many years, particularly by RV to the Baja in Mexico, across Canada to the Maritimes, and the United States. Later, they became snowbirds settling in the desert of Palm Springs.

Jean understood that a good life didn’t need to be complicated. She found happiness in family, her home and the simple pleasures around her.

Those who knew Jean will remember a strong, matter of fact woman with a warm presence and a wee bit of cheekiness. She was resilient without making a fuss about it. She adapted to whatever came her way and what life presented to her.

Above all, Jean was the centre of a large family she loved deeply. She leaves behind her husband of 70 years, Fausto; their children, Ronald, Marco and Rina; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

From Glasgow, Scotland to Vancouver, Canada to a farm in Langley, BC, Jean lived a full and remarkable life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the generations of family whose lives are better because she was part of them.

Always strong. Always herself. And always a wee bit cheeky.

Jean’s family will be honouring her with a private Celebration of Life.