Jean Isobel (Bradley) Porter

Jean is survived by her son Bradley (Karen) Porter, Sandra (Brent) Russell; grandchildren Breanne, Alicia, Dalen, Eryn, Thomas; sisters Verna Mae Demers and Geri Rea; sisters-in-law Lynn Bradley and Linda Bradley and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Jean was born in Rosetown on Dec. 6, 1934 to Vern and Marjorie Bradley of Stranraer, Saskatchewan. Jean, a very capable student, completed her schooling in Stranraer. Being pushed ahead 2 grades, Jean was enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan at the age of 16! Jean obtained a B.Sc in nursing in 1956 earning a Distinction in Nursing as well as the Kathleen Ellis Prize.

Jean specialized in public health nursing and worked in Regina City Health Department and the Rosetown Health Region from 1957-1962, first at Kerrobert and transferring to Rosetown in1959.

In 1960, Jean met the love of her life, Blair Porter, on a blind date at a Christmas party. Jean and Blair would date, travel, camp and enjoy many adventures with Gerda (nee Tietz) and Cecil Livingstone. Jean married Bennett Blair Porter on July 4th, 1961.

In 1962, Jean resigned from public health to raise her children, Bradley Blair (June 20, 1962) and Sandra Lynn (April 24, 1964). Then, in 1971, Jean took a refresher course at the Rosetown Union Hospital and returned to work in various capacities as a public health nurse, then as regional nursing supervisor and later acting regional director. Jean retired from public health in December 1994.

In the early years, Jean’s community interests included curling, singing in the Fireside Group, United Church choir, the Community Choir and in the chorus of the musical “The Sound of Music”, serving on the Library Board, leading CGIT and Beta Sigma Phi.

After retirement, Jean took part in the United Church Choir, Senior’s choir and Community Choir. Jean also belonged to the Rosetown Writer’s Group where she explored writing and created a collection of short stories, one of which was read on CBC radio!

Jean was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi starting in 1963. She held many roles over the years frequently acting as secretary. Jean received her 50-year pin in 2023!

Jean took part in the Rosetown and District Arts Council and Adult Art Club. She enjoyed watercolor and oil painting, but particularly loved using pastels. She created many beautiful works of art which family and friends are pleased to hang in their homes. In fact, Jean continued to paint all thorough her life; she loved that her room was covered in her own artwork!

One of Jean’s great loves was flower gardening, every spring at her Rosetown home she planted annuals. With large well-established trees and manicured shrubs Jean created an oasis of colour in her backyard. After a local photographer discovered Jean’s beautiful yard, he arranged for many wedding photos to be taken at 1122 Main Street!

As well as being a hard-working nurse, Jean was a wonderful wife, mother and daughter. Jean had strong family roots and welcomed her mom, Marjorie Bradley, to live with the Porter family from 1966 – 2004 in a suite renovated from the original garage. Blair and Jean’s home was the site of many large family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter.

In 2004, Jean and Blair sold their Rosetown home and moved to Qualicum Beach, BC where they purchased a rancher with a lovely west coast garden in the Eaglecrest subdivision. They met many new friends through Newcomers, Probus and their new neighbourhood. As they settled into life on the west coast they were delighted when forever friend and business partner Cecil Livingstone (in 2005) as well as sisters Verna Mae and Geri (in 2008) moved to Parksville. Through the years Blair and Jean enjoyed the company of family and friends through various celebrations and frequent coffee dates!

In 2018, Blair and Jean sold their QB home and moved into the Gardens Retirement Home. Blair and Jean loved their new home and continued to enjoy a great life making friends and following their respective passions. For Jean, she loved to sing in the choir, display her art from painting class, view all kinds of musical performances, go on bus outings and take part in all celebrations. After Blair’s passing, Jean was moved to the 3rd Floor to receive more care. Jean would find only the best in this situation and continued to participate in all floor activities including: word games, art classes, crafts, baking, all seasonal celebrations, musical entertainment, and bus outings right up to her final days.

Jean is remembered as a wonderful lady; quiet, kind, thoughtful and wise, with a quick wit and sharp mind, devoted to family and friends. Her calm, caring presence will never be forgotten.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Qualicum Beach Inn on November 29, 2025 starting at 2 pm. Yates Memorial Services in Parksville was entrusted with cremation.