Frances Jean Irwin

Frances Jean Irwin, known by all as Jean, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2017 at home in Duncan following a diagnosis of liver cancer. Jean was born on February 6th, 1950 in Duncan and made the Cowichan Valley and Ladysmith her home for all of her 67 years.

Jean was daughter to Frank and Doris Irwin (Powel); sister to Tony and Ron Irwin; wife to Jan Norris (deceased 1986); mother to Simon, Charlotte, and Sarah Norris; and most recently, Nanna to Ewan and Rowan Martin.

Jean was a valley business owner-operator through much of the 1980s: with both Thistledown Soyfoods and The Loom at Whippletree Junction. Later Jean commuted to Victoria to work with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways (1989-1998). Her love of literature saw her return to school as a mature student. Jean completed her Bachelor of Arts from Malaspina University College in 2002 and was awarded a Master of Arts in 2004 from the University of Victoria. Jean supported the publication of Humanist Perspectives from 2004-2008 and, until this spring, Jean worked with her friends and colleagues at the Old Farm Garden Centre.

Jean is remembered for the joy she found in her gardening and hobbies. Jean’s practical nature and eye for beauty made her an accomplished gardener; she nurtured her plants as she did her children, providing them with everything they needed to thrive and then letting them grow.

Jean loved her walks, good food and her daily cup of coffee but most especially she loved her friends and family. Jean was witty, smart and opinionated; there was little finer than sharing conversation and everyday moments with her. Her quick departure leaves us without Jean’s gracious, constant and loving presence but it makes the time we had all the more treasured. She will be dearly missed. Ramble on.

Please feel free to add a story or reflection to the online memory wall available through First Memorial Funeral Services and friends are welcome to join the family in a celebration of Jean’s life from 1 to 4 pm on the 24th of September, 2017 at St. Ann’s Building and Garden at Providence Farm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Jean’s name to UNICEF or the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society.

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, Duncan, BC.