Obituary of Jennifer Margery BUSHMAN

July 19, 1933 – January 7, 2021

It is with great sadness the family announces that our talented, kind, and loving mother, Jennifer Margery Bushman passed away at the age of 87 years.

Jennifer was born in London, England to Alexander and Margery Towll. An adventurous child, she had a normal upbringing until World War II when the frequent bombing of London caused her and her younger brother, Jeffrey, to be evacuated to safety in the Dorset countryside until the end of the war.

Jennifer graduated from the prestigious Goldsmith’s College of Art in London, England with a degree in Art Education. In 1955, Jennifer married George Abouna, and they had four children together (Linda, Judy, Andrew and Ben). Jennifer taught in various schools in London and Newcastle upon Tyne.

The family moved to the United States in 1969 where they lived in Denver, Colorado; Richmond, Virginia; and Augusta, Georgia. Jennifer worked in art illustration during this period. In 1973 the family moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for one year where Jennifer returned to teaching art.

In 1974 the family immigrated to Calgary, Alberta. Jennifer was Chief Artist at the Calgary Centennial Planetarium, applying her artistic talents to the creation of Star Chamber shows. She held this position until 1985. While at the Planetarium, she also created a life-like, large scale model of the planet Mars. Space science held great fascination for her.

Jennifer met fellow artist Leo Bushman and they connected through a common love of music, people, scenery, art in all its forms, and the occasional ice cream; they married in April 1977.

Jennifer was known for her genuine warmth, polite English nature, sweet personality and a smile that lit up a room and attracted people to her. She had a love of gardening and, of course, her cat, Kitty. But her number one devotion was her family.

She was an accomplished pianist and talented artist whose works will be familiar to many. Through the use of textiles, a variety of fabrics, threads, and other items, and various techniques, her unique creations brought landscapes and portraits to life. One of her largest works is prominently displayed at the Edmonton City Hall.

Jennifer volunteered with various groups over the years including the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary, Elizabeth Fry Society, Pleiades Theatre, the volunteer gift shop (now The Red Thread) at Foothills Medical Centre, ME/FM Alberta, and others.

Jennifer will be forever remembered in the hearts of her four children: Linda (Danny) Toews, Judy (Chris) Klincker, Andrew Abouna, Ben (Mavis) Abouna; 7 grandchildren: Angela (Bryan) Foss, Gayle (Mehdi) Samandari, Allison (Josh) Kaufman, Andrea Abouna, Nate Toews, Lena Toews (Lynn Hauer), and Alexander Abouna; 9 great-grandchildren: Claire, Bryan, Rebecca, Will, Knox and Violet Foss, Kurosh, Kaveh and Kashi Samandari. She will also be lovingly remembered by extended family, and dear friends.

Jennifer was predeceased by her beloved husband Leo Bushman (2005), her first husband Dr. George Abouna (2016), her parents, and brother.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff of Bow View Manor.

A Funeral Service will be held, by invitation only, on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. All others are invited to join Mrs. Bushman’s service streamed live at https://mhfh.com/tribute/details/32439/Jennifer-BUSHMAN/obituary.html#tribute-start  on the day of the service. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Jennifer Bushman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.