Obituary for Jennifer Rogers-Okell (nee Luscombe) “Jenny” 1931-2013

It is with great sadness that the family of Jennifer Rogers-Okell announce her death. She passed away after a long struggle with cancer at the Age of 81yrs, on Tuesday 21st of May 2013.
Jennifer was born in 1931, the daughter of the late Rowland E. Luscombe and Winifred (Sturtridge). She was the last in the line of many centuries of family members to be born in Woodleigh, Kingsbridge, South Devon. She is survived by her partner in life, John J. Okell, her son Paul M. Rogers, daughters Catherine M. Vallis and Jane L. Ross (Brian). She is also survived by her grandson’s, James E. Vallis and Spencer G. Ross. Jenny is also survived in Guernsey, by her step-daughter Hazel Brouard (nee Rogers) (Geoff) and their children Sophia Catton (Owain) and Robin Brouard (Amy) and family.
Jenny is survived in Great Britain, by her sister Mrs. Rosemary Batting, and nephew John, as well as her late sister Ann Slatter’s children, Elizabeth Colston (Nigel), Victoria Daniels (Anthony), and Rowland Slatter and their families. Jennifer is also survived by her stepsons Ian, Tim, Gary Okell and their families. Jennifer had an interesting life, in her youth she was a member of the Young Farmers Club and was recognised for her abilities in judging beef and dairy cattle, competitive flower arranging, and for her outstanding cooking. In 1963 she married Richard Leslie Rogers and moved from Devon to Guernsey, where they farmed Guernsey dairy cattle, at La Maison De Haut, St. Saviours, while raising four children. Widowed in 1976 she continued to farm alone and successfully competed in the Island Show, winning all the top trophy’s that year. Her other interests included gardening, showing Old English Game Fowl, hothouse (green house) Guernsey tomatoes, and fresh flowers for export, while pursuing an active social life. In 1979 Jennifer found true love with John J. Okell. In 1981 they emigrated the family from Guernsey to Nova Scotia. Where together the family raised sheep, and beef on 600 acres of land, in Pleasant Valley, Brookfield. At this time she diversified into property development as an independent business woman, became a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Truro, and sat on the board of CORDA. In 1993, they retired to a 22 acre hobby farm in Princeport, where they continued to farm. It was here she pursued her greatest hobby which was gardening, including flowers, vegetables, and fruit. She also had the time to devote to grandchildren whom she adored. After many happy years, John and Jennifer retired together into a bungalow on Roosevelt Ave, Truro, where she continued to garden contentedly, until July 2012.
At this time the family would like to thank all the Doctors and Nurses involved with our mothers care – Dr. Frank Slipp, Dr. Henderson and Dr. Smith, as well as all the nurses, in Palliative Care Unit. Our thanks also go to the staff of Fergus Hall, Parkland Estates, the V.O.N. and the Earth Angels, for their devotion to making our mother as comfortable as possible, during the final phase of her life.
Visitation will take place on Friday from 6-8 pm in the Mattatall~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Funeral service will take place on Saturday at 2 pm in the Old Barns United Church, Old Barns. The Reverend Lori Ramsey will officiate with a family burial to follow in St. John’s-Clifton Anglican Cemetery, Clifton. A reception will follow the burial in the Old Barns United Church Hall. Family Flowers only please. If desired, donations to the following charities may be made, and would be appreciated: Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Palliative Care Unit of the Colchester East Hants Health Center. We would also like to thank the Reverend Lori Ramsey for looking after our mother’s spiritual care, in the last year. Special thanks also go to the United Church in Old Barns, for the use of their facilities, and appreciate the great work of the UCW of Old Barns, for the reception. Thank you all. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Jennifer’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send a Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com