Jean Whitehouse Gabrielse

Jean (Freeman) Gabrielse passed away in West Vancouver, September 3rd, 2025 shortly before her 94th Birthday. She is pre-deceased by her Husband Hugh and survived by her brother Jeffrey (Carol) Freeman son Peter, daughter Nancy (Owen Broad), four grandchildren, Tanya (Chris Sorrentino), Liam, Clare and Ivy and 2 great grand-daughters Amelia and Ella.

Jean was born in Orange, New Jersey to Luella and George Freeman. She grew up on the family farm in Millington, New Jersey.

Jean attended Allegheny College in Pennsylvania followed by Columbia University in New York, graduating with a degree in Occupational Therapy. At Columbia Jean lived in International House where she met her future husband Hugh.

After they married in 1955, Jean and Hugh moved to Ottawa where they stayed until 1969 when Hugh was transferred to Vancouver. They lived in North Vancouver until 2022. Their last several years were spent at Amica Lions Gate in West Vancouver.

Jean was a very active member of Highlands United Church in the UCW and Official Board. She was the founder of and deeply involved with the Highlands Refugee Committee, assisting with sponsoring many families over the course of several decades. She made many friendships at Highlands including her dear friends in the Kitchen Table group.

Jean supported Hugh throughout his career with the Geological Survey of Canada in the early years joining him as camp cook to the crew and later as an assistant as well as being the sole parent at home during his summers away doing fieldwork in Northern BC.

Jean loved the outdoors, travel, theatre, learning about different cultures, reading, skiing and bird watching. She was an inspiration and mentor for many, including family, friends and many others who she helped over the years. Her curiosity, kindness, generosity, energy, resourcefulness, quick wit and sense of humour stayed with her until the end and buoyed the spirits of those around her.

A memorial service will be held September 28, 2pm at Highlands United Church - 3255 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Knowledge Network.