March 5, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Jean E. Smythe of Nanaimo, BC, passed away on March 5th, 2024 at the age of 92 years.
Jean was born in Gorleston-on-Sea, England in 1931.
At age 22, she left England with the idea of traveling around the world with her first stop being Canada. Starting in Toronto, Jean ended up in Calgary working for Stanolind Oil in 1955, where she was introduced to a fellow Brit, Jim Smythe. An invitation by Jim to the company Christmas party led headlong into a New Year's Eve proposal, and they were married on June 9, 1956 in Calgary.
Throughout her life, Jean pursued her avocations, earning a Linguistics degree, teaching Esperanto, and traveling to China, the Galapagos Islands, and many wonderful places too numerous to mention. Jim's retirement allowed for a move to Nanaimo in 1986, where Jean enjoyed gardening, photography, Esperanto, travel, puzzles and lawn bowling.
After Jim's death in 2014, Jean bravely and successfully tried online dating in her 80's, resulting in a loving companionship for nine years with Derek Pritchard of Ladysmith, BC until his passing in December 2023.
Competitive, intelligent, adventurous and loving, Jean is survived by her son Stephen (Ingrid) Hansen Smythe, Anne (Marco) Longley, Hilary (Allard) Losier, and her much-loved grandchildren Sappho, Camille, Rigel, Evan and Dominic, along with numerous family members in England.
Jean will be interred beside Jim at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens and a Celebration of her Life will take place in May. Donations in Jean's name may be made to the charity of your choice.