January 3, 1916 - November 29, 2009

On November 29, our mother Jean Leslie Oliver died peacefully, with family in attendance at her home in Kamloops.

She is survived by her sister Janet (Blackwell), by sons Ian (Shelley) and James (Linda), seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She was born the second of four children to Vera and Harris Cunningham in Roaring Springs, Pennsylvania. Much of her youth was spent with her sisters Janet and Helen and brother Donald, growing up in Saint John, New Brunswick. Upon completion of high school she attended business school and with the outbreak of the Second World War she joined the Navy Wrens. Following the war she married James Robert Oliver in 1946 and together they had three sons Robert, Ian, and James.

Our mother demonstrated quiet strength after the untimely death of her first son Robert in 1973, separation from her husband, the loss of her granddaughter Leah in 2002, and over a 40 year time frame, the loss of her vision. She loved flowers and was an avid gardener; was interested in all the activities of her children and grandchildren; kept an abiding faith in her church and a resolve to maintain personal independence. As a younger person she enjoyed badminton, pottery, and for many years she played the piano, sang in church and community choirs and had a great fondness of choral music. Well into her later years, even with the challenges of failing eyesight, she penned hundreds of handwritten letters in support of Amnesty International. Mum retained her sense of humour, her kindness for others, and her appreciation for life, through to the day of her passing.

Her funeral will be held Friday, December 4th at 2:00 p.m. in the Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, B.C.

The family wishes to thank Veterans Affairs Canada, the care aides at In Home Care and High Country Health Care for their kind support in maintaining her independent living. Throughout her long life, she had a strong social conscience and supported many charities.

The family requests that should you desire, support the charity of your choice in her memory.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoenings.com

Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250-374-1454.