JEAN HOLMES was born March 22, 1923 in the village of Markowa, Ukraine, the only child of George and Mychalina Stuy. Her rather epic life voyage brought her to Lethbridge where she passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on a beautiful Saturday morning, July 27, 2019.

Family and friends were always at the centre of her life.  She leaves to mourn her loving husband of 64 years, Owen Holmes, three daughters, Charlotte Holmes of Lethbridge, Becky (Daren) Heyland of Lethbridge, and Lorinda (Peter) Atkinson of Victoria, BC.  She also enjoyed being grandmother to her 7 grandchildren, Brenna Holmes-Dodd, Jesse, Mitchell, Joel and Mikaela (Jones) Heyland, Kieran and Finn Atkinson. 

At the age of six, Jean emigrated with her parents to Canada, settling near Blaine Lake Saskatchewan.  After her father died suddenly three years later, Jean and her Mother survived many tough years on the farm.  Completing high school in Waldheim, Saskatchewan, she entered business school in Saskatoon and worked as a secretary in law offices and for the federal government.

In 1955 Jean joined her new husband, Owen, in Regina.  Upon the arrival of her first baby, Jean began her lengthy career as a master homemaker, mother and grandmother.  After a decade in Regina, the family relocated to Lethbridge.

In addition to maintaining her home and garden, Jean made and enjoyed a host of friends from all walks of life.  Annually, early in the new year good friends were treated to a Ukrainian feast at her home.  In later years her grandchildren graced her table and have labeled these dinners as legendary.

In her youth, Jean was an excellent dancer.  Later in life she and Owen enjoyed recreational golf, bowling, hiking, fishing and gardening.  They also toured throughout Canada and to almost every state south of the border.  She walked the paths and trails of Lethbridge almost daily, most often around Henderson Lake. 

One of Jean’s hallmark qualities was the ability to engage anyone in conversation.  No matter the age or appearance or station in life, she had no barriers to reaching out to another and she did so wherever she went.

As a mother, she was an example of selflessness and thoughtful little traditions.  Her advice was never couched as criticism. She was remarkably upbeat and shared her optimistic view of life.  

To quote her oldest grandson, “We will miss her love, smile, cooking and more recent endearing deafness. . . and her generosity.  She was very generous.”

She kept and cherished the following little poem:  “Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.  If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and my prejudices against my fellow man. If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.”  

Robert H. Test

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last days and made possible her request to stay in the home that she created.

As per Jean’s request, there will be no public funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Lethbridge Family Services – 1107 2 Avenue A North, Lethbridge, AB. T1H 0E6.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2019-07-27
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta