Jean Craig

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jean Craig (nee, Jean Barty) on February 19, 2024. Jean is predeceased by her husband David Craig and sister Naomi. She is survived by her three loving children Kelly (Jono), Scott (Angele), and Lil, whom she had with her former spouse Ken Ronalds; her adoring grandkids Madeline, James, Finn, and Claire; her dear sisters Wendy and Georgena (twin); and her many loving nieces and nephew.

Jean was born with her twin sister on January 31, 1945 in Hardisty, Alberta to Verdayne Jewell and Thomas Barty. The young family lived on their grandparents’ farm before moving to Vancouver when she was 3 years old. Jean attended Charles Dickens Elementary until grade 3, when the family moved to Kerrisdale, where she attended Kerrisdale Elementary. Jean later attended Point Grey Junior High and Prince of Wales Secondary. In her high school years, she was actively involved in many clubs and sports, including volleyball, baseball, soccer, track and field, and field hockey.

Jean went on to earn a Bachelor of Education Degree from UBC (1963-1967) where she also played varsity field hockey and forged some of her dearest and longest friendships, including those with her Delta Gamma sorority “sisters”. While achieving academic success with ease, Jean was also the life of the party at UBC and treasured her university days.

Jean’s professional life was as diverse and accomplished as her talents and interests. From her early days as a caterer to her time as a chef and retail salesperson, Jean excelled at all of them. She spent most of her career, however, as a remarkably talented and highly-respected teacher, most notably at Henry Hudson and University Hill Elementary. Jean saw potential in everyone and her commitment to nurturing young minds extended beyond textbooks - she coached sports, organized school plays, and encouraged creativity. While teaching, Jean also tutored and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Gerontology from Simon Fraser University. Nothing was too much for Jean.

Outside the classroom, Jean was an exceptional and proud mom to her three kids, and treasured “Bamma” to her grandkids. She spent many happy years with her husband, David, sharing their love for great friends, music, entertaining, and the outdoors, with some of their favourite memories on Bowen Island. Jean also loved traveling, long walks, a good book, bridge with the ladies, and the many dogs she had in her life. She had a wide circle of friends, whom she loved like family, and who cherished “Jeanski” for her wonderful sense of humour and perfectly timed one-liners.

Jean was a remarkable woman of many talents. Her culinary skills were legendary, her creative writing exceptional, and her Mick Jagger inspired dance moves epic. But perhaps her greatest talent was her ability to make connections and bring joy to those around her. Jean had a gift for making people feel welcome, loved, and important.

Jean was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. The family would like to thank The Village Langley, notably Arbutus and Cedar House, for providing Mom with loving care and quality of life in her final years. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Writers’ Exchange (vancouverwe.com) or Alzheimer Society of BC in her honour. A celebration of Jean’s life is planned for April 7, 2024. Friends and family are encouraged to come together and share their cherished memories of Jean. Please contact the family for details.