Obituary of Jean Louise GULAYETS

May 13, 1956 – Edmonton, Alberta
April 24, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Our darling Jean passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 at the age of 63, from complications related to cancer. She courageously battled the disease for almost three years with profound strength and incredible resilience. Jean was always an encouraging and thoughtful woman, full of giggles and fun, especially on the dance floor when an Elvis song was playing. She was a beloved wife to Gregg for over forty-one years, inspiring role model to Tannis and Hayley and her most treasured role as adoring Gramsy, to Avyn, Estelle and Hewitt.

Jean was the third of six children in her family, born May 13, 1956 in Edmonton, AB. She attended Archbishop MacDonald High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Gregg. They both went on to graduate from the University of Alberta in 1978 and after getting married that same year they began their grand adventure by moving to Calgary. Their journey continued to Adelaide, Australia in the 80s where both daughters were born. After which, they returned to Calgary followed by short stints in Aden, Yemen in the 90s then to London, England in 2011 before settling into their grandparenting roles in Calgary in 2013. 

Jean was passionate about golfing, curling, and running as she loved to challenge herself; but more importantly she could do these activities alongside Gregg and those she enjoyed spending time with.  Jean and Gregg were avid travelers, adventuring to many places around the globe, soaking in every moment. Hawaii was always her favourite – she loved the music, the people and the serenity of the islands. Jean’s pride for her immediate and extended family did not go unnoticed as she was often found celebrating their activities and accomplishments. 

Always putting others before herself, Jean used her energy, creativity, and kindness to make a positive impact on all the lives that she touched. Jean treasured the many sisterhoods she had including Beta Sigma Phi, Mahjong groups and Dress Club. Giving back to the community was always top of mind for Jean and the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter valued her many years of contribution. 

Jean always touched us with her thoughtful words and beautiful homemade cards. She reminded us to “Be kind, be gentle, love one another and be an angel on earth,” she truly was an angel on earth and will continue to be from the heavens with her newfound wings.

Jean is survived by her husband Gregg Gulayets, daughters, Tannis (David) Boisjolie and Hayley Gulayets;  and grandchildren, Avyn, Estelle and Hewitt Boisjolie. She is also survived by her parents, Harold and Bernice Forss; her mother-in-law, Mary Anne Gulayets, siblings, Carol (Andrew) Raczynski, Dorothy (Bob) Anderson, Shelley Whittington, Heather Bzdell and T.D. (Monica) Forss; as well as many extended relatives on both sides of the family. Jean was predeceased by her father-in-law, John Gulayets, and her brother-in-law, Alan Bzdell.

A Private Funeral Service will be held, but a ‘Jean-style’ Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for all family and friends to enjoy. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Jean’s name directly to either the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222.  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial or to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, PO Box 93031 RPO Stampede, Calgary, AB T2G 9Z9 Telephone: (403)290-1552,  https://www.calgarywomensshelter.com/index.php/give/individual. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jean’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Jean’s family would like to sincerely thank the amazing medical and nursing staff from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Unit 42 and Unit 47 at the Foothills Medical Centre, and the Agape Hospice. A very special thank you to Dean England for his diligent and unwavering support through Jean’s pain management journey. 

In living memory of Jean Gulayets, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.