Sheila Jean Gainer

Jean passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2016 in her 98th year. She was predeceased by her husband Walter Dunham Gainer and her lifelong friend, Elizabeth Empey. She is survived by her children Brenda Gainer, Murray Gainer (Winnie), Anita Gainer, Patricia Gainer (Tim Carmichael) and six grandchildren (Robin, Sam and Alex Gainer, Andrew and Ian Malcolm, Eleanor Greer).

Jean was born in Millet, Alberta in 1918 but shortly after moved to Edmonton. She grew up in Norwood and attended Spruce Avenue, Eastwood High and Normal School followed by three years of teaching in country schools. She attended the University of Alberta from 1939-1943 and graduated with a BSc degree and the Governor General's Medal for highest academic achievement in the graduating class. Following her undergraduate degree she worked as a dietitian at the U of A hospital and then taught at the University of Alberta in the Household Economics department. She attained a MSc degree from Iowa State University in 1948 and while in Iowa met her future husband, also from Edmonton. They were married in St Paul Minnesota in 1948 and then moved to Boston for Walter to pursue his PhD. In 1950 she moved back to Edmonton when Walter joined the faculty at the U of A. Jean lived in Windsor Park and raised four children while teaching part-time at the university. She was also actively involved in the early years of the Old Strathcona Foundation, working to preserve the historic buildings on Whyte Avenue including the Gainer block.

In 1967 Jean began travelling and living abroad with her family. Over the next 20 years she lived in Zambia, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Malawi. In 1988 she and Walter moved to Victoria and returned to Edmonton in 2000, where she ended her days.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Edmonton, AB.