JEAN ROBERTA SOLVASON (STEVENSON)

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JEAN ROBERTA SOLVASON (nee STEVENSON) August 13, 1924 May 7, 2008 Passed away at home, holding the hand of her beloved husband of 63 years, Stephen Solvason, on May 7, 2008. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Jean will always be remembered by all whose lives she touched. Jean was predeceased by her young son Richard Ian Solvason, son Gregory Solvason, grandsons, Colin and Kenneth Solvason, and grandson Stefan Solvason. Lovingly remembered by her husband Stephen Solvason, daughter Gloria Lord (Rick) of Winnipeg, son Robert Solvason (Maria Teresa) of Philippines, daughter Ishbel Solvason-Wiebe (Kevin) of Ottawa, and daughter Louise Raffa (David) of North Vancouver; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous other family members and friends. Jean was an active and dedicated member of her community wherever she called home. Born in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan, the second of seven children of Robert and Margaret Stevenson, Jean was raised in this farming community and carried the sense of hospitality common to the prairies with her all her life. After completing high school, she moved to Winnipeg to embark on nurse's training. In Winnipeg, she met and married Stephen Solvason. They enjoyed many wonderful family years in Winnipeg and Gimli, Manitoba, before moving to White Rock in 1986. Jean was always a valued leader of any organization she belonged to, whether it was the church the family attended, the square dance clubs she and Steve belonged to, or the Drivers' Education program she taught. Many young future drivers benefitted from Jean's instructions and her good words about a positive attitude. Jean was also employed as the Speech Therapy Coordinator for the Evergreen School Division in Manitoba, where she enjoyed working with young children as they entered the education system. Jean belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as the Worthy Matron of Selkirk Chapter in Manitoba in 1985, two terms as Worthy Matron of White Rock Chapter and served as Queen Esther of the provincial Grand Chapter. Jean always placed great importance on family, faith, charity and support to others, combined with a wonderful sense of wit and wisdom. Throughout her life, she held hands and hearts and everyone she met was richer for having known her. A memorial service celebrating Jean's life will be held on Monday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 1480 George Street, White Rock, BC. An interment service will be held at a later date in Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Jean.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2008