Jean Muriel Popadynetz

The Popadynetz family would like to announce the passing of Jean Popadynetz of Kamloops, British Columbia. Jean passed peacefully with family by her side on New Year’s Eve, at the age of 83.

Muriel Jean Fredericks was born on May 6th, 1938 in the small town of Mozart, Saskatchewan. She was one of three children.

Her childhood and early teen years would be spent working alongside her family, running the only café and general store in the town.

Some years later and just down the road in Wynyard, Saskatchewan, a life-long love story would turn its first pages.

Jean met Michael Popadynetz, a young man pursuing a career in the plumbing and heating industry. After only a few months of car rides, community dances, and outings for hot-dogs, Jean and Mike would be married on February 26th, 1955.

Over the next three years, Jean and Mike were blessed with two children, Melody and Barry.

Shortly after, Mike made the decision to move and continue his career in Kamloops, BC. With the car and travel trailer packed, Jean’s next chapter would begin.

Jean worked tirelessly in Kamloops, she would work at the Village Hotel as a waitress, tend to the children, and keep her husband fed - all the while smiling and encouraging him to push forward with his career.

The family grew by two more children, Paulla and Jerry.

Soon they would outgrow their small home on Alexander Avenue and a stunning new home, with large shop, and sprawling gardens would be built on Maple Street. In 1970, Jean would become the voice and secretary for her husband’s new business - “Don’t fear dear, Mike’s Plumbing and Heating is here!”

For 25 years the business ran, Jean toiled away - gardening, cooking, answering phones, and looking after her beautiful home to which she loved. She would often be found vacuuming daily and ensuring things were always “magazine ready.”

During all of this, Jean loved everyone whole heartedly and her infectious properness yet sassiness will always be remembered. Jean had a way of carrying herself; she was always put-together and would seldom show signs of stress or unhappiness. She would simply laugh her way through hard times.

There were always meals on the table, and you could bet that if you walked through her door, you would leave so-full that you’d have to undo your belt.

“No I’m not hungry” wasn’t an option with Jean and she can still be heard yelling from the back stairs “food is ready” …or some other choice words.

Jean loved the simplest things in life, and she and Mike would spend their retired years entertaining, playing instruments, dancing to country music, dining at Oriental Gardens, playing cards, and riding in their get-away van.

After 55 years of marriage, Mike passed away and Jean valiantly pushed-on, ensuring her home was surrounded by flowers, still making it the same loving and welcoming place it always was. Her courageousness and strength could be felt by anyone who met her.

When Jean finally did leave her home, she was taken to Overlander Extended Care, to which the Popadynetz family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you. Even in her final time with us, Jean was described by Overlander staff as feisty and full of love.

Jean will be cremated and reunited with Mike, as they spend eternal peace with each other in the mausoleum at Hillside Cemetery, in Kamloops.

Jean is pre-deceased by:

Her father Walter, mother Pauline, brother Laverne, husband Michael, and son Barry.

She is survived by:

Her sister Joyce, sister-in-law Julia, daughter Melody (Gaston), daughter Paulla, son Jerry (Melody).

Grandchildren Bonnie (Brook), Ronnie (Deanna), Nicole, Jerry, Jordan (Wyatt).

Great Grandchildren Victoria, Samantha, and Josephine.

No formal funeral service will be held by her request.