Obituary of Jean Isabelle Calder

Jean Isabelle Calder (nee Buick) October 25, 1919 - November 20, 2014 Mum passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of November 20th at Joseph Creek Care Village. She was born on October 25, 1919 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. As a young girl, she moved with her parents and sisters to Trail where they lived briefly before moving to Rossland. In 1943, much to the dismay of her family, she travelled to Trail and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force - Women's Division, was called to duty in 1944 and eventually posted to London, England. Following her discharge, Mum returned to Rossland. In September of 1946, she went on a blind date with a young man from Alberta by the name of David Calder who was visiting relatives. They were married on April 10, 1947. Mum and Dad lived in Castlegar, Rossland, Kimberley, Pine Point and retired to Christina Lake in 1978. They loved living at the lake but moved to Cranbrook in 1999 to be closer to the boys and their families. Mum was active in the United Church in various communities, sang in the church choir in Rossland and Kimberley and played a variety of sports. She loved to play bridge and had an afternoon of bridge scheduled on the day she died. She also enjoyed watching all sports on TV and if the Kootenay Ice and Vancouver Canucks were playing on the same night, she would listen to one on the radio and watch the other on TV. Mum had an incredible memory, a kind heart, a loving soul and a beautiful smile. She survived three serious fractures after her 90th birthday and never complained once. Most of all she loved her family. We will all miss her so much but we are comforted by the memories of her love for all of us, by her peaceful passing and for a long life well lived. Mum is survived by her sons Bill (Diane), Bruce, grandchildren Mike, Debbie, Jenna, Lindsay, sisters Lillian and Beth, brother John (Ruth) Buick, brother-in-law Bill Cameron, sister-in-law Peggy Calder and a cousin, Gladys Henshilwood. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. Mum was predeceased by her dear David in 2001, sister Margaret and brothers-in-law Sid Simcock, Cy Burley and a special niece, Louise Simcock Pitt. A celebration of her life will be held at Cranbrook United Church on Thursday November 27th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Jean Calder. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com