Jean Tait

Born in London, England to Nathaniel and Alice, their only child. Within a few months of Jean’s birth, they moved to Argentina where Jean had a wonderful life growing up in one large happy family compound with her parents, aunt and uncle and four cousins. She came to Canada with a friend in 1950 for a new life – their plan was to go to the Okanagan to meet up with another friend who had purchased an orchard. Toronto was their Canadian starting point but it took her almost 50 years to make her way to British Columbia. Those years were busy. She married, had two daughters, travelled, and was involved in her community wherever she lived. She committed herself to organizations including Canadian Save The Children, the VON, and the IODE.

In 1997, she packed up her life in Ottawa where she had been living for many years and finally made that move to BC where she joined her daughter Susan, Peter and their 3 children in Kamloops. Her golden years were enriched as she participated in this new life close to her loved ones. Watching her grandchildren grow up, shopping at the boutique with Jennifer and picnics at Shuswap Lake were but a few of her favourite pastimes.

Her Montreal granddaughters were sorry to have so many miles separate them. Grandma was interested in whatever they were up to and she made her way to Montreal whenever she could. They have so many memories of their time together, which has influenced and shaped their personalities.

She was always there to share and support and provide critical analysis (always accurate) when needed. She could find humor when it was scarce and light when there wasn’t much to be seen. An independent and adventurous woman, she enjoyed a long and colourful life.

She will be missed by loved ones and loyal friends. She has had a peaceful passing and she will join her husband Tony, her beloved parents and dear cousins. She will always be respected and missed.

She leaves behind, with great sadness, her Kamloops family, Susan and Peter Weilandt, their children Jennifer, Andrew and Sarah, and her Sunshine Coast family, Angela and Trevor Lavender, their children Zoe, Arielle and great grandchild Henry.

We are so appreciative of the care she has been given over many years by Dr. Phillip Sigalet. They have shared many a confidence. He knew her well. We give sincere thanks to the gentle, sensitive, and compassionate nurses and care aides at Interior Health who have helped our mother through this last challenging year of her life. We are very grateful to the nurses on 5 North at Royal Inland Hospital who cared for her these last days and provided such support to the family.

There will be a celebration of Jean’s life at her home early in the new year.