Jeanne Massey

In Loving memory of "MASSEY - Jeanne Massey (nee Kitching), born July 26, 1917 in Northenden England (near Manchester), passed away April 4, 2017 in Penticton, B.C. Jeanne was pre deceased by husband of 53 years Albert (Bus) Massey; brothers Ronald Kitching and Stuart Kitching (WW11); and many friends in Victoria and Sidney, B.C. Jeanne is survived by daughters Jeanne Marlene Massey (Reg) of Mornington, Australia and Denise Lawby (Don) and granddaughter Meghan Lawby of Peachland, B.C.; as well as nieces and nephews in BC, Oklahoma and Alberta.

Jeanne came to Canada at age 8, via the Panama Canal, and lived in Sooke, B.C. where her father ran the local dry goods/hardware store. The family moved to Oak Bay subsequently and Jeanne finished school at Mt. View. She joined the Canadian Air Force with WW11, following her brothers (Army and Navy), and served in aircraft hangars in Bounday Bay, B.C. and Clairesholme, Alberta. She was a lifelong Legion member thereafter and attended annual Women's Air Force reunions always, outliving nearly all her comrades. The loss of her brother Stuart (19) at sea 3 weeks into WW11 was never forgotten and passed down through the generations.

Jeanne met Bus in her teens, a 13 year friendship that spanned WW11, Air Force discharge and a year working back in England, to eventual marriage. They raised their family throughout Saanich, during which Jeanne worked in a number of capacities. Jeanne and Bus briefly retired to Qualicum Beach, and enjoyed their last years together in their beloved Sidney, B.C. both with decades long friendships and new neighbour friends as well. Jeanne and Bus together enjoyed extended trips to visit daughter Marlene in Hungary, Italy and South Africa, all the while enjoying Christmas's with Denise and family in Whistler and White Rock. Widowed Jeanne enjoyed Alaska, Hawaii and Australia.

Jeanne moved to White Rock to be with family in 2008, following Denise, Don and Meghan to the Okanagan in 2016. Many thanks to White Rock Seniors Village and Haven Hill Retirement Centre (Penticton) for their deep, consistent caring.

There is no service. Jeanne's was a life well lived, one that honoured her heritage and passed on values that have stood her family strong. She unknowingly taught much in her lifetime, from the importance of peace to kindness to all living beings and women's equality. Jeanne was a lifelong lover of the ocean stemming back to those early days in Sooke. Jeanne Massey will be honoured at Jordan River, B.C., as per her request, with immediate family present, at a date to be determined. "

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna 250-762-2299.