Obituary of Jean Elizabeth Vopni

June 17, 1939

November 28, 2023

Jean Elizabeth (nee Meadows) Vopni passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 28, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 84.

Jean was born in Swan River, Manitoba, on June 17, 1939, the only daughter of seven children to Percy and Emma Meadows. Jean grew up in Minitonas and naturally with six brothers, she quickly learned how to run a household and hold her ground. Hard work came naturally to her and even as she raised her own family she would often say, “You need to earn your keep!”.

Growing up, Jean encountered many challenges. One event that had a lifetime effect was being shot by a hunter’s stray bullet around the age of sixteen. This shoulder injury drastically limited her strength and mobility to her dominant arm, and although it may have slowed her down, it certainly did not stop her!

On April 19, 1962, she married Douglas Arni Vopni in Minitonas. As the wife of a truck driver, they travelled extensively for work before settling down in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, in 1967. Her boys were active and played numerous sports which kept Jean busy in doing laundry (with a ringer washer and clothesline), making meals, and keeping the home front in order while Doug continued with his trucking business. Even though she left Kamsack in her later years to be closer to family, her heart remained in Kamsack.

Everyone who met Jean will fondly remember her brilliant smile, quick wit, sharp sense of humor and contagious laughter which would always light up a room. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, participating in community activities and especially loved crocheting. Jean found joy in caregiving, whether it be family, friends, or strangers, and would often sacrifice her own priorities to do so. Jean thoroughly enjoyed her time being a nanny to Nolan and Nathan Kondratoff, which in turn became an extended family to her and her immediate family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a highlight for her, and she loved watching and getting updates of their many activities.

Jean was a fun and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will forever be remembered by her brothers, William, Clifford, Walter, and David Meadows; and sons, Kim (Valerie) Bjerland, Lloyd (Tami), and Wayne (Michelle). She will also be mourned by her grandchildren, Brian (Dawn) Fisk, Chelsea (Dylan) Uhl, Lacey (JJ) Nicholls, Adelida (Trevor) Fredsberg, Meagan Bjerland (Jonathan), Kovi, Jakob, and Lenin; and great-grandchildren, Austin, Dylan, Mason, Kaleb, Brian, Berkley, Maverick, Eden, Grady, Cache, Barrett, Peyton, Cassidy, and Maddox.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, Percy and Emma Meadows, her husband Douglas, companion Alec Kazakoff, her brothers, Frank and Charlie Meadows; daughter Barbara Fisk, and grandson Caelan.

Jean’s family would like to thank the amazing staff in the Rapid Access Unit at the South Health Campus Hospital who cared for mom during her final weeks. Words cannot express our appreciation for their compassion to help mom be as comfortable as possible and truly feel loved. Their professionalism helped us all through this difficult time and for that we are eternally grateful. Of course, many thanks to our dear family, friends and co-workers that are a huge support when we need it most.

As with Jean’s wishes she will be laid to rest with Douglas at the Birchwood Cemetery in Swan River, Manitoba at a later date.

Mom, your strength inspired us, your wit entertained us, and your love sustained us. You will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jean’s family here.

In living memory of Jean Vopni, 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.