Jessie Fuglestad

We are saddened to announce the passing of Jessie Fuglestad (nee Aitken), one month shy of her 101st birthday. Jessie was a kind, caring and generous individual. She was adventurous; at the young age of 32 she was in London during the coronation of the Queen. Her good health allowed her to remain active at her home, including in her beautiful garden, through her 100th year. Jessie was predeceased by her husband, Harry, her brothers Jim, Jack (Norma), and sister May, all of the Aitken clan. She was a beloved aunt to Keith Aitken (Moira), Debbie Kinnear (Ed) and all their families, making Jessie Great-Aunt to Jenn, Amy, and Shannon, and Great-Great-Aunt to Ben, Megan, Indi, Ellowyn, Morrison, Everett, and Adeline. She retained the status of 'cherished aunt' to the Steele girls, Carolyn, Linda and Anita, daughters of her best friend, Joyce. She was a dear friend to many, of late most particularly to Hal and Christine Tribe, with whom she traveled to many far off places. She was known for her drapery and upholstery skills (Woodward's), and for her beautiful rose gardens. Per Jessie's wishes, her ashes will be placed beside her sister, with her parents, Jessie and James Erskine Aitken. The words of William Wordsworth are so fitting: What though the radiance which was once so bright, Be forever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendor in the grass, or glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind.

Funeral Announcement Update:

Jessie's interment will take place at noon on Thursday, September 2nd, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby (Tel. 604-299-7720). Per Jessie's wishes, her ashes will be placed beside her sister, with their parents, Jessie and James Erskine Aitken. In lieu of flowers and in Jessie's honour, a donation may be made to the B.C. Provincial School for the Deaf, B.C.S.D. located at 4446 Watling Street, Burnaby (Tel. 604-296-9062, ext. 0) for deaf children enrolled at South Slope Elementary School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Fuglestad family.