Dr. Jean Knox Petrie

PETRIE, Dr. Jean Knox (nee McDonald) February 17, 1913 May 22, 2010 Jean was an incredible woman who attracted others with her intelligence, her sense of humour and her positive outlook. She will be missed by all she knew, but especially her sister, Rose McDonald; her nieces, Pam Jurgens, Penny Palsson and Sheila McDonald and their families; her stepdaughter Patricia (Melvin) Calkin and family; the family of her step-son, Robert; and a special friend, Jan Palsson. She was predeceased by her husband Bert (Robert), her step-son Robert, her brothers Donald and Earle, and her nephew Graeme. Jean was born in Paradise Valley, Alberta, to a family who valued education, and she excelled academically, making contributions in her professional life as an astronomer at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, as a professor at the University of British Columbia, and as a member of the Board of Governors at the University of Victoria. She also made contributions athletically; as a member of the Alpine Club she and three other women were the first women to climb Mount Columbia in 1938, and she was one of a team to first climb Mount Forbes in 1940. Jean treasured most her personal contributions as a wife, a step-mother and grandmother, an aunt, a mentor, a PEO sister, and a friend. A private family celebration will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the RM Petrie Memorial Fellowship at the University of Victoria. 590639