Jean Mary Abernathy (nee Wowchuk) has passed away after a short battle with lung cancer.
Surviving Jean is her husband John, daughter Alice and granddaughter Kelly.
Jean was the last of her family who had immigrated from the Ukraine. Jean was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and was first generation Canadian. Raised in Dauphin, Manitoba, Jean learned to cook traditional Ukrainian dishes.
She moved to Ontario then settled in Victoria, British Columbia where she met John, her husband of 59 years. Jean enjoyed many things in life and her favorite activity was meeting new people. Jean liked to talk to people and learn about their story. Making new friends everywhere she went.
Jean's hobbies were gardening (got to get her hands in the dirt), fishing, (caught a 30 lb salmon on a 10 lb test line), hiking, camping and travelling. Later in life, her hobbies changed to bingo and the casino (bells ringing and coins crashing). Her smile and cheery nature will be missed by many.
The family would like to say "Thank-you" to NRGH Palliative Care Unit for their kind and compassionate treatment of Jean while she was there.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.