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Jacqueline Jean Knox

1920 - 2023

Jacqueline Jean Knox obituary, 1920-2023, Kamloops, BC

BORN

1920

DIED

2023

Jacqueline Knox Obituary

Late as usual, Jean Knox waited until she was well into her 103rd year to pass away. She died January 9, 2023 almost 30 years to the day after her dear husband Phil. By then she had lost her mobility, most of her eyesight, much of her hearing, and, occasionally, her false teeth, but she never lost the ability to laugh, particularly at herself. And oh, but we'll miss that laugh

.Born in Kamloops to Jack and Winnifred Home on September 26, 1920, Jean was shaped by the Great Depression and the Second World War, which left her with an iron-willed resilience, a never-ending desire to help those in need and an abiding gratitude for what she had.

She was many things: Devoted mother, ragtime piano player, cartwheel turner, Brownie leader, telephone operator, lifelong learner, Happy Chorister, toonie-giver, inadvertent champion of the slow-food movement (really, her lousy time management skills turned every meal into a four-course dinner). She made the best apple pie, potato salad and fried chicken in town, but turned many other dishes into something the dog would reject.

Jean never whined about anything, just forged ahead. Stubborn as a bad cold, the only thing she ever quit was cigarettes, which she did reluctantly because she truly enjoyed smoking.

Jean was anchored in her faith, albeit with one foot in the United church and the other in the Anglican. Her relationship with God was her foundation.

She had a deep love for and pride in her family, and also cherished her friends, including the staff members who embraced her after she moved into Ridgeview Lodge seven years ago. Her children will always be grateful to those who loved and cared for her there, and who treated them with such respect, too.

Jean is survived by her children Betty (Al) Jakel, Maggie (Eric Shishido) Knox, and Jack (Lucille) Knox, grandchildren Cathy (Brent) Thibault, Dan (Nathalie) Jakel, Jana (Dave) Laroche, Jeff (Heather) Jakel, Ryan Knox, Tara Shishido, Kelsey (Greg Dynia) Shishido and Jo Billows, great-grandchildren Danika and Marc Thibault, Christine and Karl Jakel, Alexandre and Mathieu Laroche, Sam and Henry Jakel, Presley Shishido-Loiselle and Scarlett Shishido-Dynia, sister Velma Stewart and sister-in-law Edna Home and their families, and Keith Richards.

Much to the chagrin of family members who were hoping to inherit great gobs of money, Jean took joy in donating to worthy causes. With that in mind, she would be happy if those considering sending flowers donated to a charity of their choice instead.

In keeping with her time-management skills, a celebration of Jean's life will be held later this year.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kamloops This Week on Jan. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacqueline Knox

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19 Entries

Jenny Collins-Edwards

May 5, 2023

So sad to hear of Mrs. Knox´s passing, but forever grateful to have had her in my life. Her love of life and of the people around her truly encompassed everything that she did, and the world was a better place for having her in it. I loved being one of "her girls", and getting a huge hug and a snuggle whenever I visited home! Sending love to her wonderful family, and sending love to her up above.

Colleen Staintin

January 20, 2023

It is seldom that an Obituary makes you laugh but Jean´s did, as it captured her wonderful characteristics and spirit, Jean was a neighbour when I was growing up, a great friend of my mother´s and a dear constant in my life, always interested and supportive. My mother said she would make tea for all who came to Heaven after her and as had happened many times, she has been waiting for Jean to arrive! Jean leaves a very, caring and supportive family and many friends, all who have fun memories as captured in Jack´s clever obituary. My thoughts are with you all
Colleen Stainton

Rebecca Grindon

January 19, 2023

Jean and my mom Betty Kuntz became great friends, sharing many of the same interests and life experiences. They loved to sing, believed strongly in their faith, and put great stock in their families. They would frequently "wave" goodnight to each other when they lived across the street on Battle Street. It was a delight to spend time with Jean!
The two of them would go off to the movies together, always laughing about their respective limitations of loss of sight and hearing, claiming they could enjoy the movie together. One could see what was happening and describe it to the other and the other could hear the dialogue and explain it. Such fun they had together! I have wonderful pictures of them!

David Emmington

January 19, 2023

A great lady, fondly remembered, sister of Harry. Perhaps they will meet again.

Dawne Taylor

January 17, 2023

I remember Jean from Kamloops United Church. She was always bright and cheery, engaging and delightful in conversation. She never could make up her mind whether she was Anglican or United, so we'll consider her Unican. Jean was so interested in life, and curious about so much. She will be missed.

Nancy (Stewart) Penne

January 16, 2023

Auntie Jean was so very special, and always made me feel special. I have such great memories from several visits to Kamloops. She always had a great smile, softness, and charm about her. She'll be missed, but always remembered with a smile. I'm happy for her to be reunited with other loved ones, and I'm certain they're all glad to have her in Heaven. Much love to all of the Knox family.

Sheila Park

January 13, 2023

Jean was a treasure. I enjoyed the time with her at Manor House. She was very supportive of my endeavors on Strata Council. As a 10,000 Villages volunteer I enjoyed helping her with her many purchases - usually for Christmas gifts for family. She would get it all packed on her walker
and head off from KUC to the Manor House. She was amazing as she dealt with aging and vision loss with determination as grit.
She is missed here and I am sure by her dear family. My condolences to all of you.

John Stewart

January 12, 2023

Auntie Jean was many things to many people. She also had and has a deep rooted belief in God. I think that few people possess all the great qualities that she had as a human being; her husband Phil was certainly in the same category. All of God´s blessings to Her, Phil, and Their Family, John Stewart.
Lake Villa, Illinois;(Greater Chicago)

Takako Nukina (nee Kawabata).

January 12, 2023

Saddened for your loss. I remember her as Brown Owl at St.George's Church back in 52/53. Good memories.

Jana Laroche

January 11, 2023

When I found out that GG passed away I had to tell my boys and this is what they said" She lived a full life and was able to see and meet her grand children but also all her great grand children. She was a kind soul whom always had a smile on her face. I will miss her tonnies and her expired Coca Colas." WE love you GG,you will be missed . Jana, Dave, Alex and Mathieu

Regina Bittner-Rothbart

January 11, 2023

Betty & families, although I did not have the good fortune to meet this wonderful woman, my interactions with many of you make me feel I knew her well. Her many gifts have been passed on to the three generations I have had the pleasure of knowing. What a lovely tribute
Regina

Barb Liotscos

January 11, 2023

I can see Jean and Phil laughing at the descriptions in this obituary! I remember a whole group of us laughing away at Victor Borga in their living room one day. Another favourite memory is the joy I felt running into them at Heathrow airport when I was travelling alone, and seeing their smiles. Jean recalled with me not too long ago her surprise at the big hug Phil gave me! It is such a gift when the memory of people like Jean and Phil can lift your heart.

Cindy McNaughton

January 11, 2023

Your Mom was a wonderful woman. So many memories of her as a young girl until sitting with her at Moms party after her death. I loved her spirit and her sense of humor, her deep love for her family and friends and her deep faith. Please let me know details about the service as I'd love to attend. Thinking of you all.

Nicole Stewart Harvey

January 11, 2023

Beautifully written. Auntie Jean as we knew her, was from a generation of women that redefined what being a woman meant. She embodied resilience and grit. It´s always been a matter of pride to be from a family of amazing women. Sending love to you all! God bless!

Nancy Leake

January 11, 2023

Jean was such a wonderful, happy, friendly woman with a great sense of humour. I feel so honoured to have known her, sung with her and laughed with her.

Eileen Jones

January 11, 2023

An amazing lady who lived a full life. She sounds just like your "mom" stories Betty. Sending hugs your way.

Viki ENGDAHL

January 11, 2023

Jean was such a delight to know. She never failed to laugh at her own failings--such a loveable woman. Condolences to her family and church communities.

Jocelyn Say(Rogers)

January 11, 2023

So many memories of Mrs. Knox as I was growing up. She was such a good friend to Mom. Thinking of you all.

Pamela Dalgleish

January 10, 2023

Betty, Maggie, Jack and families,
So sorry to read that your mom decided it was time to go. She was the best and I know she'll be missed a lot. What a long, adventurous life she had and provided so many people with laughs and enjoyment along the way. Her sense of humour lives on in your family. Hugs to all, Pam

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