Obituary of Jean Patricia Rivers

October 21, 1943 - Botley, England, United Kingdom

September 16, 2022 - Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada

Jean Rivers passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022, at the age of 78 years.

Jean was born in Botley, Oxford, UK on October 21, 1943. Jean worked at the Oxford University Press in Oxford, UK. She immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1970.

Jean loved music, everything from bagpipes to ABBA; animals; gardening; baking; carpet bowling; and volunteering and supporting her community. She was a member of the Gold and Silver Club in Cremona and the Carpet Bowling Club in Didsbury. She also volunteered at the Didsbury Hospital assisting residents at the hair salon and other activities. Jean was someone that connected with people. She was quick to engage with everyone around her whether she knew you or not. She loved her community of Cremona and was remiss to leave behind her little house and her close friends as her health changed. Moving into Tudor Manor in Okotoks, her spirit and personality continued to brighten the people that were lucky enough to be near her.

Jean Rivers loved her family. She was a gentle and kind soul that made friends easily, and had a quick, dry humour that made everyone laugh. She had a deep love of animals of all shapes and sizes, often caring for pets while their owners were away on vacation. She leaves behind Sandy her beloved dog in the care of her grandchildren Ozker, Lily and Ruby that have inherited her love of animals. Her loving daughters Linda and Susanne will miss her regular phone calls, loving smile, and gentle spirit. Her garden will miss her care and attention. We will miss you Jean, but your memory will remain in our hearts. Your mischievous and delightful ways have left us with memories we will never forget. Rest peacefully dear Mum, you leave a fullness in our hearts. Our sadness will ebb, but your memory will forever live on. We feel you beside us as always.

Jean is survived by her two daughters and two sons-in-law, Susanne and Tom McCaffery of Calgary, AB, Linda and Mark Deloretto of Black Diamond, AB; three grandchildren, Ozker, Lily and Ruby Deloretto. Jean is also survived by her three brothers and one sister-in-law, Derek Rivers, Bob and Jean Rivers, Paul Rivers; and nieces and nephews all of Botley, UK. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Iris, and Fredrick Rivers; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Dawn Rivers; and many pets loved by Jean.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Please note, no service is being held but please commemorate her life by having tea & biscuits with a friend, planting a tree or plant, do a little weeding, rescue a houseplant, making a delicious meal for a neighbour, walk your dog and pet your cat, donate to an animal rescue.

In living memory of Jean Rivers, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.