Janet (Jan) Mghee DOCKERILL

March 20, 1937 - December 26, 2025

Jan was born in Kilmarnock Scotland where she spent the war years with extended family while her father was overseas. She was raised in Chester England then attended art school to study dress design and worked in the garment trade. In 1958, she married Keith who introduced her to sailing. Jan became a mother in 1963 and the small family emigrated to Vancouver in 1965. A spirit of adventure, non-conformity and social connection played strongly in Jan's life. She met people with ease, cultured friendships and approached life with humour, optimism, and curiosity.
A series of house renovations, boats and jobs followed, first in Vancouver and then on the South Island, which were a means to an end to travel. One of the many highlights from this 25 year period included owning the classic 48ft wooden sloop Gabrielle 2, which they cruised extensively from Victoria to Europe and the Caribbean, pre GPS and with a "dodgy" engine! Jan returned to Sidney in the early 90's, on her own this time, and forged a new life of connection and meaning. Pursuing her art and volunteering in her community, Jan valued her many friends from different walks of life that provided her with so much joy and wellbeing -as one of her favourite poems describes:
"It gives me comfort to dwell upon - Remembered friends who are dead and gone - And the jokes we had and the fun – How happy they are I cannot know, but happy I am who loved them so." - Noel Coward
Thank you to the all the medical professionals at Jubilee and Saanich Peninsula Hospital these past few months and to those that helped facilitate an independent life at home.
Jan will be greatly missed by her remaining family, son Simon (Helen), and friends. A celebration of life will be held in March 2026.