Jean List

Jean passed away peacefully on September 4, 2019 at the age of 84. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Leslie-Anne and Rowena, grandson Scott (Meg), sister-in-law June, extended family and many friends.

A telephone operator in England, Jean immigrated to Canada in the late 50’s where she began her new adventure and immediately set out to build a better life. And what a life she lived.

She and then-husband Peter settled in New Westminster where Jean went on to work at the Army & Navy department store and also at the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Not afraid of hard work, Jean often held down two or more jobs including an extensive career at Sears, while also serving cocktails at the former Villa Hotel in Burnaby and selling Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Jean cherished her volunteer work with Variety - The Children’s Charity where she won the coveted “Gold Heart” award for her dedication. She was often seen on television answering phones during the annual Variety Telethon and she assisted Variety the racetrack selling 50/50 tickets. She was also a clerk at many coat check locations for numerous business conferences around the city.

When not working or volunteering, Jean cultivated her English-style garden and held the position of past-president at the New Westminster Garden Club. She loved genealogy and served as president of the Genealogy Society where she worked tirelessly to explore her own family tree. No matter what, she “always” had time for a “nice” cup of tea.

Jean loved travel and adventure, visiting many lands including India, Africa, North, South and Central America, Asia, Australia and Europe.

Most memorable is when the word “party” was spoken – Jean was there with bells on. Whether it was with her Red Hat group or socializing with her dear friends and family, she really was ‘the life of the party’. Her unique laughter was contagious. She will surely be missed by everyone who knew her.

Jean always maintained her credo: Don’t sweat the small stuff and live each day to the fullest. Her most cherished accomplishments are her daughters and grandson who is the ‘apple of her eye’.

The List family would like to thank all the supportive friends, Dr Galanopoulos, the dedicated staff at Burnaby General Palliative Care Unit, as well as the thoughtful, caring staff at Thornebridge Gardens and the hard working (remarkable) staff at Crossroads Hospice. Words cannot express how wonderfully kind, dedicated and caring the volunteers and staff are and what their support meant to Jean and the family. These angels will always be remembered with our sincere thanks and gratitude.

Jean, mum, grandma -- you live on forever in our hearts and words cannot express how much you will be missed. We love you eternally. Rest In peace, Queen Jean.

In lieu of cards and flowers please consider a donation to http://www.crossroadshospicesociety.com/giving/online-donations.php or donate in Jean’s honour to a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held on Sunday, September 15th at 2:00pm at Boal Chapel. 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver.

What Cancer Cannot Do

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot destroy peace,

It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot invade steal eternal life,

It cannot conquer the Spirit.

AFTERGLOW

I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when day is done.

I'd like to leave an echo,

whispering softly down the ways,

of happy times and laughing times,

and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun.

Of happy memories I leave

behind- when day is gone.