nee Woodward
Our beloved mother, grandmother, ‘gramma-the-great’ closed her eyes for a final time on March 29, 2012. She was born 29 Feb 1920, Estevan, SK to Fred and Lucy Ellen (Barton) Woodward; raised in Kamsack, SK, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Al McCracken in 1940.
Predeceased by husband, Al, her parents and seven siblings, Jean is survived by one sister, Freida Fairbairn of Eriksdale, MB; and one sister-in-law, Norma Woodward of Kamsack, SK; son Douglas (Camilla) McCracken; daughter Brenda (Garry) Bysouth; grandchildren: Ian (Miriam) McCracken; David (Christl) McCracken; Douglas (Trina) Bysouth; Darci (Brian) Bysouth-Mackie; Brent Bysouth; Barbara Bysouth and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean is also survived by her ‘Greats”: Connor and Sean (Ian’s) McCracken; Logan, Duncan and Evan (Dave’s) McCracken; Kaitlin, Taylor and Blair (Doug’s) Bysouth.
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Jean and Al moved to Chilliwack, BC in 1962. Jean started working at age five watching over the candy counter of her parent’s Home Bakery in Kamsack. A move to Saskatoon, SK in 1956 allowed her to train as a secretary, her occupation for the rest of her working life. Generous to a fault, Jean and Al provided a second home to many in need. Skilled in baking and cooking, Jean believed in quantity as well as quality of food; and her sense of prairie hospitality led to many shared meals for family and friends. Jean was an avid gardener until age 90, and very generous with the fruits of her labour. Fiercely independent, she was very proud of her English heritage, and called herself “the little red hen” (she would do it herself rather than ask twice)! Dubbed names ’the energizer bunny’ and ’crazy legs’ by the family, she was always ’on the go’. She taught line-dancing for ten years for various Seniors Clubs in the Chilliwack area. Jean was born with a song in her heart - humming, singing or whistling as she went about her business - she truly believed that music made the world go around. During her adult life, Jean was involved in many organizations often in an executive capacity, but more likely working hard behind the scenes. Once committed, she gave 125% effort, and encouraged others to do the same; she remained positive through life’s adversities. The grandchildren remember many happy holiday memories that both grandparents provided which included a trip to Disneyland in 1979 with all six grandkids in tow. Jean was truly a special person and a role model for all of our family. We shall miss her tremendously, but her joy of life shall live on…
Miss Me - But Let Me Go
(author unknown)
When I come to the end of the road,
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in gloom-filled rooms,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low;
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And busy your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me -but let me go.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Richard Chan, Dr. Ian Kishi, the Palliative Care Team of the Fraser Valley Health, Chilliwack Home Support and Chilliwack Hospice for their care and kindness. Cremation in care of Henderson’s Funeral Home. No service and no flowers by request. Should family and friends desire, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to their charity of choice.
“Jeanie…
you did it your way…”
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com