Jean Julia Cracknell

With loving thoughts and memories, sons Robert (Leona), Ronald and Richard, daughter Sharon, sisters Joan, Josephine and Cynthia, brothers Wilfred (Sonny) and John, cousins and numerous grandchildren will remember her generous heart and unwavering devotion to family and friends. Jean is predeceased by husband Robert Blair, parents Ivy and Wilfred, siblings, Lillian, Hope, Alice and Patrick.

Born in the small Haida village of Masset, BC, to parents Ivy (Edenshaw) and Wilfred Bennett, Jean set out as a young lady of 16, on an adventure of her own, finding her lifelong love in young Canadian Forces man, Robert Blair Cracknell (1937-1988.) They married in Calgary AB in 1958, and after a short posting in Germany, eventually settled in Victoria with their 4 children.

Besides devoting her love and energy to her growing family, Jean spent many years working at Scott's Restaurant in Victoria, where her gifts of kindness, caring and openness brightened the days of customers and co-workers alike.

Her greatest pleasure was the enjoyment of family and her 2 favorite pastimes were entertaining family and friends with lavish feasts and thoughtful gifts and relaxing with those same loved ones in compassionate conversation as she worked on her beautifully crocheted creations.

Playful at heart, she occasionally enjoyed the mischief she and her identical twin Joan could cause when they traded or hid their true identities. Her playful personality really came to light in the joy she had with her grandchildren. If toys were lacking she would bring out the pots and pans and a noisy celebration would ensue. But toys were never lacking. No matter how often and quickly the visits to grandma came, she always managed to have the perfect gift waiting for their happy hands. Her epic generosity will be treasured by all who knew her.

The family give special thanks to the wonderful staff at The Heights at Mount View who treated her as she treated all - with kindness and respect.

A memorial service will be held at First Memorial at 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on December 15th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Parkinson's Wellness Project - http://parkinsonwellness.ca/.