Jean SEPPALA

SEPPALA, Jean Eleanor (nee McIver)
The Seppala family is deeply saddened to announce the quiet and peaceful passing of Jean Seppala on February 10, 2012. Jean was the daughter of John and Gwendolyn McIver and the sister of Jack McIver who died in September 2011. Jean's grandparents were British Columbia pioneers, who settled the family farm "Maple Ridge" in 1860, and from which the District takes its name. Jean was trained as an elementary school teacher and taught school in Hammond B.C. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and sister, Jean spent many hours as a volunteer for the CNIB, St. John's Shaughnessy Church, the Vancouver Stroke Club, Van Dusen Gardens and other community groups. She was an avid bridge player and reader, loved to travel the world, had a wonderful group of friends and valued the importance of family. Predeceased by her husband Keijo Seppala, whom she supported tirelessly as he ran his engineering firm and served as the Consul General of Finland for 30 years, Jean is survived by her children Lorna (Dave Rowat), Douglas (Nicky Axtell Seppala), Robert (Diana Schachter) and seven grandchildren, Piers, George, Sylvia, Henry, Meredith, Alexander, Jacqueline and many loving relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Shaughnessy Church, 1490 Nanton Street, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vancouver Stroke Recovery Association - Shaughnessy Branch, 301, 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3V1.