Mrs. Jean Wood was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.
Born to George and Jane Blatchford on a little farm in Morden Manitoba, Jean was raised with two siblings. She had one older sister, Topsy and one older brother, Neil. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.
As a young girl, Jean had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. In her spare time she enjoyed reading and writing poetry. Jean's memorable achievements included learning how to sing and play the piano at the age of 9. However, to Jean, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.
A typical teenager, Jean had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Glenlaw High School in 1938. Being able to spell almost any word one could think of, it was only fitting that her favorite subject was English. Shortly after graduating she met the love of her life, his name was Richard Wood.
Jean enjoyed her college years, which some may have thought to have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Jean was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Certificate of Graduation from Winnipeg Bible College and in doing so also gained a greater amount of faith in Jesus Christ. Her pursuit for guidance and knowledge of the Lord did not finally reach its end until her death. She was surely a lady of great faith.
Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Jean enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Walter and Irene Goerzen, Ruth and Emmeth Petch, Bill and Betty-Anne Greenwood, Beth and Forbes Cruickshank, Shirley and Ran Metcalf, and Audrey Dunne. Just to name a few.
In 1959 after trying for 19 years, Jean and Dick where blessed with a beautiful baby girl, they called her Thea. She would be their one and only sunshine. Empathic and loyal, Jean was committed to making her new family happy. Jean worked hard to be a good mother to her child and she did her best to fulfill her needs. As the years went by her little girl grew into a woman and Jean was again blessed with the gift of one granddaughter, Ashley and later she was blessed again with the gift of a Great grandson, Cade.
Fortunately, Jean enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Jean worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was co-owner and manager of the family restaurant "The Patio Drive -Up". She and her husband worked together for a little over 20 years, which didn't prove to be the easiest thing to do some of the time. Luckily Jean always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.
Jean enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were directing and singing with many musical organizations such as, the Tuneagers. She also dedicated many years to teaching others how to sing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. The thing Jean enjoyed doing mostly during her spare time was planning family vacations. One could say she has traveled the world, or close enough to it, having gone to such places as, Europe, The Holy land, New zealand, Fiji, Australia, Disneyland and the place she loved the most Hawaii where she would've liked to have spent her retirement.
Throughout her life, Jean was a doer and was always actively involved in various church organizations. Being a lady of unbreakable faith, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kelowna for over 50 years. During that time, she was a Deaconess, Director of the children's choir and vocal soloist Jean's stewardship also included participation on various church committees.
Jean was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Chum, a Sable Collie who she received as a gift. They where often found together walking around the small town, and even when venturing into territory that was unknown Jean never felt scared or worried, she knew Chum would protect her. They were best friends for 8 years. Her family was rounded out by her cats, Beauty, Dusty and Tasha, and many more in the year to come. Jean had so much love n her heart to give that she constantly surrounded herself with the people and animals she loved.
When Jean’s retirement finally arrived in 1988, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found pleasure in her music and prided herself in sharing with others. Even in retirement, Jean continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Jean was active in her community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.
Jean passed away on May 16, 2010 at Kelowna General Hospital, British Columbia. Jean fell ill causing a sudden case of pneumonia. She was surrounded by her loved ones during her last days and was at peace near the end. She is survived by her daughter Thea, her granddaughter Ashley and her Great grandson Cade. A service was held at Valleyview Funeral home on May 21 2010. Jean was laid to rest beside her husband in Lakeview Cemetery in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
Simply stated, Jean was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Jean leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Mrs. Jean Wood.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18