McKinnon, Jean Paul
(nee Cook)
December 23, 1927 - April 19, 2014
Jean passed away peacefully at Stanford Place Care Campus in Parksville on Saturday where she has been lovingly cared for since this past February.
She was predeceased by her parents Jane(Jean) and James Cook and her sister Ellen. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, James, son James (Faye), daughter Lynn(James)Barnstead, grandson Chad in Vancouver BC, grandaughter Rebecca (Richard) Hastings in Inverness Scotland, and three very special Great grandchildren, Sienna, Cruz & Rio.
Jean was born in Nanaimo, and in her youth was a talented singer. She sang at many weddings and special occasions in the area. Jean and Jim were married on June 17,1950 and built their family home in Harewood. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Harewood Volunteer Fire Dept. and helped with many Christmas parties and wedding showers. She loved organizing events in the neighbourhood whether it was Guy Fox night bonfires or Christmas cookie decorating in her dining room. Everyone was always welcome in her home and there was always an extra chair at the dinner table for anyone who wanted to stay for a meal. In the early 70’s the family moved to Cassidys’ Sunny Slope Mobile Home Park where Jim & Jean lived till 2012 becoming part of a tight knit community with caring neighbours.
Jean worked most of her life beginning at the Malpass grocery store, David Spencers department store and then many years at Eatons. Her last job was working as a cashier at the then, Malaspina College where she met many special student friends from around the world.
Mom & Dad spent many happy summers camping and boating around Vancouver Island with the YO YO Club, snowbirding to Yuma Arizona for winters and loved touring relatives from the UK around BC. She loved her whole family and kept in touch with all her cousins, nieces and nephews through the years.
“We Love You Gramma Mac”
A celebration of life will be held at Jeans’ daughters’ home at 7002 Aulds Rd, Lantzville on Saturday May 3,2014 from 2-4pm.
Flowers are politely declined, a donation may be made in Jean’s name to the Heart & Stroke Fund or the CNIB.