Jean Yvonne Holding

Jean was born on May 7th, 1927, in Vermillion Alberta. She was the youngest of 5 children spending her upbringing in the prairies.

After graduating from high school, she worked as a telephone operator. However, she had a longing to experience life outside of small-town Alberta and headed to Vancouver with some of her best girlfriends.

A friend arranged a blind date for Jean with Frank Holding. It was clearly a favorable first date as they went on to be married on April 4th, 1953. They built a house in Burnaby and together raised 4 children. Between household management, and sewing clothes for her children, Jean opened a family daycare so that she could supplement the family budget while continuing to be home with her children. She went back out to the work force in her late 40’s after upgrading her clerical skills

Jean retired at the age of 65 but still felt very vibrant at that age. She continued to keep active with her grandchildren and many community volunteering positions. She also was able to realize her long held dream of travelling and in her 70’s and 80’s enjoyed a variety of overseas adventures.

She was predeceased by her 4 siblings and her husband. She is survived by her 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will be held with family members.