I, Val, remember Aunt Jay from a very young age, particularly when she made us sit for a very long time at Grandma McAllisters trying to make us eat baked pumpkin which we did not like at such a young  age.  Many times over latter years Jay apologised for this & it became a great joke. We have many happy memories of Jay's visits to Australia and to visit us at Hervey Bay where she loved to walk along the beach. Our beautiful children, Deborah & Greg also had the pleasure of meeting Great Aunt Jay. Myself being a book lover too meant many interesting conversations on what we had been reading.
To Aunty Nancy, Uncle Richard  and your wonderful family we offer our heart felt condolences. You have all been in our thoughts.
With our love to you all  XXOO

Aunt Jess was one of my many favourite Aunties that I will sadly miss. We will remember her for her adventurous nature and pleasant smile. She was positive thinking, practical, supportive, inspirational and always fun to be with.
She loved the outdoors, skiing, travel and reading maps.
 I am glad that we had a chance to drive around a small part of Canada with her and share a beer. 
One of my fondest memories is the day that we spent bush walking in Gold Coast hinterland where I was accused by other passersby of being a “White Hair Slaver” as Aunt J insisted on carrying the one and only back pack, latter the same day we ended up on the Gold Coast where Aunt J together with her great nephew & niece played in the surf like young children. 
We will always remember Aunt J

Auntie Jay was a very important lady in the lives my family.  Some of the memories I will hold dear to my heart are the special occassions we celebrated as a family, where we were fortunate enough to have Auntie Jay in attendance i.e. my wedding to Floyd Oberg, in the small community of Forestburg in May of 1979.  Two trips to Pincher Creek were made by Auntie Margie and Auntie Jay.  One was one week prior to the birth of our first child and the other was the following week when our daughter Meaghan, was born. Also, Auntie Jay and Auntie Margie ventured up Highway 63 on two separate occassions to visit us in Fort McMurray.  This is where she was introduced to Jackie our cat, (or as Auntie Jay would call him, 'Jack The Cat') who was mentioned each time we shared conversations on the phone.    We were thrilled to have her share in celebration of Meaghan's wedding in 2006.  Though we did not see one another often her telephone calls were frequent, especially when I became ill in 2008. We will always remember the laughter, intimate conversations on the phone, and how blessed I was along with my family to have her in our lives.

Jessie was a much loved younger sister and my family and friends enjoyed her frequent visits from Canada. I will miss her terribly. I have received many calls from friends and cousins expressing their condolences.  It is a tribute to Jessie that so many over here in have called me.

Jessie, you always treated me like a part of the family and made me feel welcome. Your kind words and warm smile were things I could always count on to brighten my day.

Auntie Jay,
Lots of special times with you and Auntie Marg at "the Kumar kids weddings."  Never got tired of hearing about the many adventures, memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with us always.

Sherry, Les and kids

Dear Jay,
More than half a century of friendship and adventures.  You will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.

Margaret

Dear Family of Jay, 
I began teaching with Jay in 1967 at A.E. Cross Jr. High. Jay and another teacher,Shirley,took me under their wings and gave me much good advice. Shirley, was one who always walked to her own drum beat told me, "Never do anything you can get a student to do".  Jay on the other hand,Played it by the book except perhaps when she would sneak out of class and go to the staff room next door for a few puffs of her cigarette.  She told me, "Christine, do a little marking every day."  Needless to say, I think I followewd Shirley's advice more than Jay's.  However, even many years of teaching, I still heard Jay's voice in my head, especially nearing report card time when I was facing a huge pile of papers to mark and wishing that I had just done a little bit of marking every day. 
I later followed both Shirley and Jay into school library work. Thanks Jay for all of the support and friendship during those early days in the classroom and later as a teacher-librarian. Because of you and other teachers like you, I had a career of over forty years that I loved every day of my life.

Christiine Spring-Gifford

Auntie Jay,

You have provided the Kumar family with lasting memories.
  
Thank you for being such a great friend to Auntie Marg, Mom and Dad.

Here is a quote I think about anytime someone close passes. "It's not how we die, but how we live” and you lived life.

Love 
Rich Kumar

Aunt Jessie was always interested in myself and my siblings when we we little and when we had our own children they we treated likewise.  We all enjoyed catching up with her when she visited.  We have been lucky to have seen so much of here over the years and to have lasting fond memories.  Her love of the outdoors has been an inspiration.

Although I only knew Jessie during the past 5 years, she was an inspiration to me and my colleagues in her outlook on life.  I always enjoyed our visits and her stories about her family, hiking trips and many travels.  Just a few months ago, she was hoping to have enough time to have a holiday with Fiona and Charlotte, to go visit other family members overseas.   Unfortunately, I cannot attend Jessie's service tomorrow; however want to send my sincere condolences to her family and friends.  I know she will be missed very much.     Best wishes / Terri Eriksen-Parker

Jessie was a wonderful friend and a colleague with whom we shared many interesting chats, books, parties, hikes, and bridge.  In 1964, we first met Jay, as she was known to her teaching colleagues.  To students she was a feisty teacher who believe in books, literature, and hard work.  To staff she showed her love of family, life, nature, and partying.  
Our many memories reflect an amazing woman who cherished and lived life to the fullest.
Our deepest sympathy to her Calgary family that she dearly loved and to her Australian family with whom she kept dear to her heart.
May she rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Jessie McAllister

July 25, 1924 – April 11, 2012

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

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