Jean Graham Sharabura

Peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024, just three days shy of her 87th birthday. Predeceased by her husband Don and her sister Judy. Survived by her children Steve, Mike, Susan and Scott (Kim); grandchildren Kate, Eric, Dougie, Connie and Colin; and her sister Candy.

Jean was born in Aberdeen, Washington, the eldest of three sisters affectionately known to this day as “The Graham Girls”. Voted “Most Likely To Succeed” out of high school, she attended University of Washington, earning an early education degree, and promptly scouted out schools in California to seek out the sunshine lacking from her Pacific NW upbringing. She ended up in Redwood City teaching 5th grade for a couple of years, but life would take her in another direction when she vacationed in Hawaii during summer break and crossed paths with a tall, dark & handsome Canadian man on Waikiki Beach. They managed a few in-person dates, enough time for love to bloom and kept up the romance through letters and an invitation by Don to come visit him where he lived “just north of Montreal” in Labrador City Newfoundland. Undeterred, Jean leaned into the adventure that was about to unfold, marrying Don in the summer of 1961, and together embarking upon a unique geographical journey in support of his mining and business career, raising four children along the way.

Whether it was Seattle, Sept-Iles, Montreal or Toronto, Jean made the most of each place she called home, integrating with the community by taking French lessons in Quebec and joining Newcomer’s Clubs, while always maintaining her family as her number one priority. Her infamous “research” skills were integral to finding the best neighborhood, housing, schools and activities, always with her children’s best interest at heart. Her final move to White Rock, BC in retirement held a special place in her heart, involving a return to her West Coast roots and opportunity to be near her sisters with whom she has always had a very close bond.

Jean loved to travel and along with Don she visited 60+ countries – her favorite memory of many being animal watching on a Kenyan safari. She was also an avid reader and could often be found surrounded by a stack of newspapers and magazines listening to talk radio.

Jean had an irreverent sense of humor and appreciated those who shared that quality. She was a very private person, and natural introvert, but made many connections throughout her life and maintained close ties far and wide. She will undoubtedly be missed by a wide circle of extended family and friends.

Those closest to her will remember her for her pragmatic nature, stoic demeanor and unwavering toughness, characteristically never wanting to be a bother to anyone, always putting others first. She was a rock-solid reliable presence in her family’s life, a source of immeasurable strength and comfort.

Jean will be laid to rest next to Don at Victory Memorial Park in Surrey, BC.