Jean Patricia O'Brien

Jean was predeceased by her parents, Vince White and Mary (Minnie) White, her husband Neil in 2004 and daughter Susan in 2024 and several brothers and sisters.

Jean is survived by her two sons, Jeff (Amelia) and David (Leanne), and her daughter, Neile (Paul). She is also survived by her grandchildren—Zachary Harink (Chelsey), Jarri Harink (Shannon), Jorgen Harink, Rhian Harink, Janelle O’Brien (Clark), and Analise O’Brien—along with five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Jean followed her heart into nursing and became a registered nurse, beginning her career in Montreal. After the family moved west in 1970, she continued her work at Surrey Memorial Hospital, where she remained until her retirement.

Jean married the love of her life, Neil, on July 31, 1954, in Montreal. Together, they began their family and adopted four children. The move west to North Delta was a courageous leap for the young family, and raising four children while both working full time brought its challenges. Jean and Neil made many sacrifices along the way, always putting their children’s needs ahead of their own.

Once the children were grown and pursuing their own paths, Jean and Neil were able to travel—something they especially enjoyed doing in their motorhome. They spent winters visiting the United States, traveled across Canada, and made two memorable trips along the Alaska Highway.

In 1990, they left North Delta and moved to the Okanagan, settling in Kelowna, where they have lived ever since.

As the true matriarch of the family, Jean continued to host countless family gatherings, dedicating many hours to planning, cooking, and preparing for each event. As time went on and she grew older, her children took on a more active role in helping to keep these cherished traditions alive.

Jean was fiercely determined to remain in her home until the end—something she accomplished through sheer strength and resolve.