Jean Frances (Bernard) Stuart

Beloved wife of Donald, mother of Kenneth (Dorothy), Alan (Donna), Dale (Bruce) and Diane (Clayton). She was a grandmother to 6, a great grandmother to 3, older sister to Edith and Charles (Carol) and a good friend to many.

Jean was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia on June 16, 1928 to Harold and Lillian Bernard. She grew up in Kimberley, where she soon caught the eye of Don Stuart. Don enlisted in WWII and Jean went to Normal School in Prince Rupert where she earned her teaching certificate. They married when she finished school and she went on to teach at several one-room schoolhouses in this valley – in Marysville, Spillimacheen and Brisco, being the last teacher in all of them! She then taught in elementary schools at Radium and Edgewater. Many of her pupils there recall the days she took her dog to school for exercise class, tying a ribbon around the dog and offering a reward to the student who could retrieve the ribbon!

Jean and Donald raised their family in Brisco, and for several years they operated the Brisco General Store. They retired to their hometown of Kimberley in 1982 where Jean enjoyed hiking and skiing, gardening, sewing and playing bridge. They moved to Cranbrook just a few short years ago and Jean was diagnosed with cancer. The past two years of remission have been good years for Jean and her family.

Jean passed away on August 5, 2009 in Cranbrook with loved ones at her side. At her request, there will not be a service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Jean’s memory may do so to the: Canadian Cancer Society, 19 – 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 2L9.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com