OLIVE ROSEMARY JONES

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OLIVE ROSEMARY JONES

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olive Jones, who died suddenly on July 9, 2025, in Ottawa. She was 81 years old.

Born in Killarney, Manitoba, on August 2, 1943, Olive was the beloved daughter of the late Lloyd and Evelyne Jones. She was a cherished sister to Ruth Grant (Alex), Lawrence Jones (the late June Dean), and Marjorie Henery (the late Arthur Henery). Olive was also a loving aunt to Laura Jones, Bruce Grant, and Heather Grant. She will be fondly remembered by her husband's family, the Isaacs, and was affectionately known as "Auntie Olive" to the children of her close friends. In 1986, Olive married Morris Isaac, and they made their home together in Ottawa until his passing in 2003.

A distinguished archaeologist, Olive specialized in Canadian glass during her career at Parks Canada. After graduating from the University of Manitoba, her first impactful role involved assisting in the restoration of Canadian forts for Canada's Centennial in 1967. She continued this pioneering work at Fort Garry (Winnipeg) and Louisbourg (Nova Scotia). Olive's passion for research led her to explore historical sites in the U.K. and U.S.A., culminating in numerous published research papers and books.

Beyond her professional achievements, Olive found joy in working with beads, a natural extension of her glass research. This hobby blossomed into beautiful jewellery collections, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Olive's adventurous spirit also fueled her extensive travels, taking her to diverse destinations across South America, Australia, Iceland, India, various European countries, and from coast to coast in North America.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 11 a.m., at Fellowship Church, 800 Burnamthorpe Road, Toronto. A Celebration of Life will follow in Ottawa at a future date to be announced.

Gifts in memory of Olive may be made to the Jones Scholarship in Music History and Literature at Brandon University at brandonu.ca/give/donate or by calling (204) 727-7374. Alternatively, as expressions of sympathy, donations to the United Way East Ontario would be greatly appreciated.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 26, 2025