Jeannette Lee
August 9, 1940 – March 3, 2021
We are sad to announce that on Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 Jeannette Marie Lee passed away peacefully at the Luther Court Care Home in Victoria, with her family by her side. Jeannette is predeceased by her husband Roy Lee, her parents Gordon and Mary Zayha, and her sister Betty Ethier (Zayha).
Jeannette leaves behind 3 loving children; Gordon (Linda), Sandra (Todd) and Michael (Nicky). Her wonderful grandchildren are Jordan, Rebekah and Charissa (Gordon), Lauren, Jesse and Braeden (Sandra) and Travis and Rosie (Michael). Jeannette’s 2 great granddaughters are Kira and Riley (Lauren & Quin).
Jeannette was born to Gordon & Mary Zayha on August 9th, 1940 in Spirit River, Alberta. Some of Jeannette’s fondest childhood memories were; spending summers with her sister Betty at Grandma’s farm east of Spirit River Alberta, running through the fields where the wild Tiger Lilies grew, watching her Uncle Dan ride Queenie the work horse, being with all of her Aunts and Uncles and playing in the old barn.
Jeannette worked for the Park Hotel and then Northern Freightways in Dawson Creek as a bookkeeper where she met her husband Roy. Roy was a heavy-duty diesel mechanic, who also worked for Northern Freightways. They lived in Dawson Creek from 1959-1964, where their oldest son Gordon was born. They then moved to Salt Spring Island, where Roy had grown up and his family resided, and where Sandra and Michael were later born. Roy and Jeannette brought up their family on a small acreage in the Fulford Valley. Jeannette lived on Salt Spring Island for 55 years, until having to move to Victoria.
Jeannette worked for Marr Accounting and she looked after the books for the family business, Roy Lee Petroleum Bulk Plant, until 1981. Jeannette then worked as the bookkeeper for the original Salt Spring Island Sea Products until 1994. And then she was a bookkeeper at Windsor Plywood for her final 11 years of work, retiring at age 65.
Jeannette enjoyed gardening, canning everything they grew, and making jam from all the blackberries at their Fulford house. She loved to read, dance, sing, listen to music and laugh. Jeannette would play the piano in the evening when the house was quiet and the kids could hear her enjoying her time and music. Jeannette also loved to watch Gordon and Michael’s baseball games, Sandra’s horse-riding lessons and taking the kids to Stowell Lake when the kids were young.
The family wishes to thank Luther Court and the staff for taking such wonderful care of Jeannette for the past 2 ½ years. We remember all the wonderful Administrative, Nursing, Activities, Housekeeping and Kitchen staff. Jeannette loved her spiritual time with Pastor Ed.
Jeannette had 2 wonderful companions, Ken and Rose, who filled her mornings with walks around the neighborhood to see the flower gardens, and of course Thursday morning dancing.
Thank you to the Salt Spring community, our family and friends, we appreciate the kind words and lovely memories you’ve shared with us about our Mom. ~Gordon, Sandra, Michael.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Greenwoods Eldercare Society or the Luther Court Society in Victoria.