Genevieve "Jenny" Mavis Anderson

Jenny was born in Cochrane Alberta to Harold and Marjorie Spicer, and was the fifth of a family of nine children: George, Patsy, Stan (2025), Mickey, Jenny (herself), Bonnie (2007), Shirley (1988), Darcy, and Laurie. Jenny’s parents and grandparents were noted pioneers of the Big Hill Country region of Alberta. A statue in Cochrane honours Jenny’s mother and there is a street and a park named for her grandfather. Jenny had a passion for family history. She organized many reunions and helped those around her understand how precious their family and friendship connections were.

Jenny met her first husband, Rod Thurber (1996), while studying home economics at Olds College. They loved to explore new places together and lived in many parts of Alberta before moving to Vancouver Island. They raised four children: Son Michael (Vicki), with granddaughter Jasper; Daughter Karen, with granddaughter Shanna, grandson Jamie (Anita), with greatgrandaughter Maddelyn, greatgrandson Doryen; Daughter Myst (Jonathan), with grandson Storm (Brianna), grandson Rowan (Nkosilathi); Son Doug (Angela), with grandson Chase (Taelore), granddaughter Ari, grandson Logan (Bailey). Jenny’s second marriage, to Carl Anderson (2007), brought her a gift of new family and lots of travelling.

Jenny stayed friends her whole life with kids she met on her first day of school and she added new friends all through her days in every place she lived. Jenny was a warm and generous person who was always involved in community groups. She believed in lifelong learning and took courses or taught herself new skills every year. Jenny had a special tenderness for the elderly and she was an advocate and caregiver for many family members and friends in their final years.

Jenny’s compassion for others and her loving persistence in staying in touch with family and friends means that she will be missed by people in every province of Canada and in several other countries. We have to go on without her but we will never forget how she taught us to keep our minds and hearts open to new experiences and new people.

Jenny has requested that there be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity in your own community that helps to make it a better place. In late summer of 2026 Jenny’s family and friends will gather for a celebration of a life well-lived.