Obituary of Jean Ann Fosbrooke

November 3, 1938 – Kamloops, British Columbia

January 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Jean Fosbrooke of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the age of 85 years.

Born in Kamloops, BC, on November 3, 1938, Jean embarked on a pioneering career with CIBC, rising to become one of the first female Bank Managers. Her journey with CIBC took her from Kamloops to Montreal, and then Vancouver, where she met her husband, Douglas Fosbrooke, marrying him on December 9, 1978. The couple moved to Calgary in 1981, where Jean continued her trailblazing path with CIBC until her retirement in 1993.

Jean's passion for art led her to an illustrious second career, significantly impacting the Canadian art scene. As President of the Canadian Federation of Artists, and a founding member of The Art Show Gallery and Fosbrooke Fine Arts in Calgary's Penny Lane Mall, Jean was a beacon of creativity and leadership. Her journey in the art world continued at Gibson Fine Art (GFA), where she joined in 2007 at the age of 67. With her wealth of experience from Fosbrooke Fine Arts, Jean became an integral part of GFA, contributing as both a valued team member and a respected gallery artist until her retirement at 81.

At GFA, Jean's dedication and commitment deeply touched all who encountered her work. Her unwavering love for the gallery and the artists she supported left an indelible mark on the community. More than her role, Jean was a source of inspiration, living life with passion and purpose. Her spirit, enthusiasm, and profound understanding of art enriched lives beyond measure. As we mourn Jean's loss, we also celebrate her extraordinary legacy, which will continue to resonate within GFA and the hearts of all who knew her. Jean's memory and the impact of her work will forever be a part of our community, missed dearly but living on in every corner of our gallery and the art she loved so deeply.

Douglas John Fosbrooke, born August 18, 1935, in Edmonton, he passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the age of 87 years. He spent many years with CIBC, other financial institutions, and worked as an independent financial consultant until his death. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Calgary Sarcee, founding it in 1998.

Together Doug and Jean were instrumental in the Club’s Art from the Heart art auction and fundraiser. In the nineteen years the auction was held, over $1.7 million was raised, going to support organizations such as Easters Seals’ Camp Horizon, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Brenda Stafford Foundation, Calgary HandiBus Association, Hull Child and Family Services, Community Kitchens, YWCA Mary Dover House, Salvation Army Children’s Village, and EvenStart for Children Foundation of Calgary. 

Jean and Doug shared a profound love for animals, particularly cats. They were loving parents to many "fur babies”, adopting several cats from the Calgary Humane Society throughout their lives. This compassion for animals showcased another facet of their generous spirits, providing a loving home to those in need.

Jean was predeceased by her loving husband Douglas, her parents, Philip and Anna Pocatello of Kamloops, BC; her brother Philip Pocatello of Vancouver, BC, and her sister Stella, and brother-in-law Gabe Sternig of Kamloops, BC. Jean is survived by her sisters, Marie (Albert Piva) of McLure, BC, and Helen (Clair Methot) of Vernon, BC; nephew Mark (Shelley) Piva, niece Tracey Piva, and family friends, Colin and the late Wendy Pratt, Orest and Megan Pratt-Konowalchuk, Ben, and Ian Pratt; along with many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jean's life was marked by her groundbreaking career achievements, her devotion to art, and her loving relationships with family, friends, and pets. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Doug Jr. survives Douglas, while both were preceded in death by their parents.

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

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