Peacefully, following a lengthy illness, it is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Jean Holland, on February 25, 2020, from complications due to Alzheimer's/Dementia, and Parkinson's. She was 83 years of age. She will be sadly missed.
Jean is survived by her children, Karyn Holland, and Kevin Holland. She was predeceased by both parents, Sylvia and Andrew Trofimchuk, brother Michael, and sister Ruth. She is also survived by sister Vivian English (James English), and brothers Jerry Trofimchuk, and Danny Trofimchuk, as well as nieces Marla Williamson (Greg Williamson), Lorilee Penner (Daniel Penner), and Jennifer English (Ben Crowe).
Jean was born in the Minitonas, MB area, and lived her early years there, attending Lidstone School in her elementary years. Jean would later marry Reuben Holland, and eventually move to Victoria, BC. Jean and Reuben began a commercial beekeeping business in the late '70's, and travelled annually between Victoria, and Swan River, MB to maintain the beekeeping business. When not beekeeping, she worked as a Teacher's Aide in the Victoria school system, personally helping Autistic children.
In later years, Jean divorced Reuben, and would take up various service positions as a Personal Care/Health Care Aide, with Victorian Order of Nurses, and Salvation Army.
Jean loved birds and animals of all sorts, as well as flowers and horticultural pursuits. She was an avid, and award winning Flower Arranger during her years in Victoria.
Most everyone who knew Jean, was familiar with her amazing cooking and baking skills! She was so accomplished, folks would always comment that she should start a restaurant, or catering business. In fact, she often did private catering for friends, and family - usually copious amounts of Baked Goods! She also had a great love for her family, and often showed it by the lavish holiday dinners - Christmas, or Thanksgiving, generally - where she would often cook six or more dishes for a single meal, not including the Turkey!
In her final years, Jean battled the ravages of Alzheimer's/Dementia, and Parkinson's Disease.
Karyn and Kevin would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Staff, and various family Caregivers, at Golden Door Geriatric Centre, for their years of devotion to Jean's care, in her final years.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to your local Humane Society, or local branch of Alzheimer's Society of Canada, or Parkinson Canada.
