Jessie Jean Macfarlane

Seonaid was born to the late Christina and Donald McDougall in October 1935 in Toronto, Ontario. Seonaid and her family moved back to their homeland of Scotland in October 1936. She celebrated her first birthday aboard the transatlantic passenger liner, the SS Athenia. Her childhood was spent in the village of Gairloch, Ross-Shire, Scotland. In her adolescence, her family moved to Glasgow. At the age of 18, she met her future husband and partner in life, Hugh Macfarlane (83) of Glasgow. Seonaid married Hugh in July 1960 in Glasgow.

In August 1964, they emigrated to Canada with their three young children. Their great adventure aboard the SS Empress of Canada took them to Montreal, Quebec, then out west to West Vancouver, British Columbia, where they welcomed their fourth child. Eventually the family settled in North Vancouver where they raised their children: the late Michael Macfarlane (Angie) of Victoria, B.C., Douglas Macfarlane (Kerri) of Whistler, B.C., Catriona Shalansky (Thomas) of Kelowna, B.C. and Rhonda Macfarlane (Ron R.) of Burnaby, B.C. In retirement, Seonaid and Hugh moved to Victoria where they have resided for 25 years.

Seonaid is survived by her husband Hugh and children: Douglas (Kerri), Catriona (Thomas) and Rhonda (Ron R.). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Justin Macfarlane (North Vancouver), Jamie Macfarlane (Richmond, B.C.), Brandon Shalansky (Kelowna), Mitchell Macfarlane (Victoria), Cara Macfarlane (Victoria), Tyler Shalansky (Kelowna) and Callum Macfarlane (Whistler). In Scotland, she leaves behind her brother and sister-in-law, Alasdair and Norma McDougall (West Kilbride, Scotland), brother-in-law, Gerry Moore (Peebles, Scotland) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her beloved son, Michael Macfarlane in 2017, her sister Sheila Moore, and her parents, Christina and Donald McDougall.

Seonaid was immensely proud of her Scottish heritage and culture. She was a member of the Gaelic Society of Vancouver. She always loved a great ceilidh and singing in the Gaelic choir. She regularly travelled to Scotland in the fall to attend the Gaelic Mod.

Seonaid and Hugh enjoyed returning to Scotland and spending special times with her siblings, cousins and numerous lifelong friends.

Seonaid was a devoted wife, homemaker, loving mother and grandmother. Her family and extended family were her passion and delight in life. She was a caring and compassionate friend to all who knew her. She has touched many lives and leaves behind beautiful memories to all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank all those who cared for her during her last months, in particular, the Victoria Hospice, Palliative Care at Home nursing staff, counsellors, the Island Health Community Health Home Support Team, family physician and medical specialists. Donations can be made in honour of Jessie Jean Macfarlane to:

Victoria Hospice Fund Development

phone: 250-519-1744

email: [email protected]

www.VictoriaHospice.org

A celebration of life for Seonaid will be held on Saturday, March 21st, 2020, from 1 to 3 pm, in Victoria. Please contact family members for further information.