Skip to content

March 23, 1930 - January 19, 2022
It is with sadness, but many treasured memories, we announce the passing of Jean Oleschuk of Nanaimo, BC on January 19, 2022. Jean passed away peacefully with family by her side at Trillium Lodge, Parksville, BC at the age of 91 years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Walter Oleschuk; daughter's Shirley Vernon (Doug) of Chilliwack, BC; Wendy Dundas-Ure (Phillip) of Langley, BC and son Wayne Oleschuk of St. Albert, Alta. 5 Grandchildren - Danielle Cheng (Ryan), Jessica Boyd (Nick), Brandon Dundas-Ure (Brittany) and Chelsea & Larissa Oleschuk; 5 Great-Grandchildren - Tanner & Kailey Cheng, Saylor Boyd and Alfie & Reggie Dundas-Ure; Brother-in-law Peter Oleschuk and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to niece Gena Hollingsworth of Rimbey, Alta.
Predeceased by: Parents - Charlie & Jenny Tocher; Sister - Elsie (Jim) Shindler and Brother - Ted (Merlyn) Tocher.
Jean was born March 23, 1930, interrupting Sunday dinner at her grandparents home (Todd & Elizabeth Hopper) in Rimbey, Alta.
Jean grew up working hard on the homestead with her dad (Charlie) as his "Right Hand Man". With calloused hands they cleared land, harvested crops, drove teams of horses and whatever else was required on the farm. Jean, at a very young age, was also caregiver to her mother (Jenny) and siblings through a very difficult time. She was still able to attended Symonds School which they rode to by horseback.
In her teenage years she moved to town working at the General store then the Bakery where she learned to drive her first vehicle, a Ford Model A, delivering bread to the Leedale General Store. She then went to waitressing at the Rimbey Hotel where she met the love of her life, Walter, in 1952. They married April 24, 1953 at the Anglican Church in Rimbey. Walter's work on the seismic crew took them to many small towns throughout Alberta & Saskatchewan (once moving 5 times in one week). They finally settled in Edmonton, Alta. in 1958.
They had 3 children - Shirley born in 1953 in Rimbey, Alta., son Wayne born in 1957 in High River, Alta. and Wendy completing the family in 1962 in Edmonton, Alta.
Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker skilled at sewing, cooking, needlework, preserving, gardening and so much more. She loved to iron EVERYTHING!! And always kept an immaculate home.
Jean took in boarders and babysat the Neighborhood kids to help out. Later in life she had various outside jobs and finally settled at Edmonton Telephones where she retired from after a very enjoyable career of 15 years.
After retiring Jean and Walter moved to Nanaimo where they built their dream home in 1991. Jean enjoyed her retirement with her hobbies of gardening, cooking, needlework and her B&B business and visitors that would come from near and far.
Jean's family would like to acknowledge and thank their friends and neighbours for all their kindness and caring.
We would also like to thank the staff at Trillion Lodge, Parksville, BC for all their help and support over the last year.
Funeral Services will be held: Friday, January 28th, 2022 1 pm Sands Funeral Chapel 1 Newcastle Ave. Nanaimo, BC
Interment: Valley View Cemetery 14644 - 72nd Ave. Surrey, BC February 1, 2022

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Friday, January 28, 2022
1:00 PM
Sands Funeral Chapel 1 Newcastle Ave. Nanaimo


Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.