JEANNE FAY UNDERHILL

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JEANNE FAY UNDERHILL

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jeanne Fay Underhill. Jeanne passed peacefully with her daughters and family by her side on March 18, 2024 in Oliver, BC at the age of 83. Jeanne leaves to mourn her daughters Debra Gregoire (Kirk Grondin) and Donna Jansen (Rick), her grandchildren Craig (great-granddaughter Georgia), Christopher, Megan and Jessica and extended family Jennifer Carson (Keith, Chloe, Sawyer and Walker). Jeanne is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Kenneth Claire Underhill, her brother James Matchett and sister Ruth Nichols. She is survived by her brother, Robert Matchett.

Jeanne was born on June 7, 1940 in Treherne, MB to parents James and Catherine Matchett. Jeanne grew up in Treherne and graduated from high school in 1958. She continued her education at the Teachers College in Winnipeg in 1959. It was while teaching in Rapid City, MB that she met her husband, Claire. They were married on August 19, 1961. Daughters Debra Jeanne and Donna Ruth were born on February 5, 1964 and June 8, 1965. The family moved from Rapid City to Outlook, SK and then to Moose Jaw, SK. After the girls graduated from high school, Jeanne and Claire lived in Assiniboia, SK, Brooks, AB and moved to Penticton, BC in 1999. Jeanne loved Penticton and her family of friends.

Jeanne was an elementary and junior high school teacher and after that worked for Sears for almost 20 years. Retiring gave Jeanne more time to volunteer. After she fought and won a six-year battle with cancer, she volunteered at the Penticton branch of the Canadian Cancer Society for 13 years and after that at the Penticton Regional Hospital. Jeanne was an avid bowler and curler and loved gardening. If she wasn’t puttering in her beautiful garden, she was going for long walks or sitting in the shade of her balcony enjoying a chilled glass of wine. Jeanne attended church her entire life and was a member of the Eastern Star for 60 years and the Royal Purple for 41 years. She enjoyed travelling and all the local events Penticton had to offer.

Jeanne was generous with her love and time, always there with a kind word or gesture. She was unwavering in her beliefs, true to herself, generous and always eager to lend a helping hand.

Our deepest gratitude to the caring staff of McKinney Place in Oliver, BC who took such good care of Mum during her stay and for their kindness in her final days. Jeanne was laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in Penticton. At her request there was no service. If family and friends wish, a donation in Jeanne’s name can be made to a local Alzheimer’s society.

Your life was a blessing

Your memory a treasure

You are loved beyond words

And missed beyond measure

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 23, 2024, Mar 23, 2024