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Betty Jean Drew

January 17th, 1956 - June 15th, 2023
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It is with profound sadness, that we announce the passing of our beloved Jean.

Jean was born on January 17, 1956, in Windsor Ontario. Jean was a strong, brave, and beautiful woman. Jean catapulted into adulthood when she became a mother at the age of 17. She lived with her daughter in Toronto and it was there that she met the love of her life Frank Loates. Jean and Frank moved to BC in 1980 to be closer to family.

Jean had a wonderful career with CRA and made many lifelong friends at the Surrey Tax Centre and in Ottawa, where she ended her career with the government. In retirement Jean and Frank enjoyed travelling across Canada in their RV and many winters in Cabo with friends. Jean loved her family more than anything. She was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. Jean loved to sing, dance, laugh and the occasional glass or three of wine.

On June 15 our brave and beautiful Jean left us, far too soon, but on her own terms, after complications from progressive supranuclear palsy. She left the room singing, surrounded by family.
Jean leaves behind parents Doug and Margaret Drew, siblings Diane (Aaron) and Murray (Bev), her true love Frank Loates, daughter Diane Sears (Konrad), grandchildren Maggie and Jack and nieces and nephews, Zachary, Martine, Nina, Austin and Zoe.


Tributes

Rhonda
September 11th, 2023

I struggled allot with trying to write something meaningful. In the end I asked AI to help...and here it is:
In loving memory of Jean Drew, a friend whose light shone as brightly as the sun over Cabo San Lucas, and who's laughter was as clear as a glass of white wine at The Roadhouse. Her spirit now dances eternally on the shores of Cabo San Lucas, White Rock, Crescent Beach and more.
May you find eternal peace Jean; your laughter will echo in our hearts forever. RIP Jean

Francis Robert H Lowe
September 7th, 2023
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I feel very sad, especially for Betty Jean’s loved ones.
Last year my Lydia died from that awful Progressive Nuclear Palsy after many years of suffering.
I pray that Jean will meet her in Heaven and they can be truly happy again.
Frank

Joanne Wood
August 25th, 2023

I knew Jean from years at the Surrey Tax Centre. Jean was such a genuinely nice person - to everyone! With that killer smile and great laugh, you always wanted to be positive around her. My sincere condolences to the family for this difficult loss.

Irene Hardy
August 25th, 2023

I will always remember Jean's smile and sparkling personality. My sincere condolences to her family and close friends.

Carla Fraser
August 25th, 2023

Jean had the brightest smile and biggest laugh.
Rest in peace my friend

Latifa Zohny
August 25th, 2023

I started working at Revenue Canada at the same time as Jean. We were in the same training class and later worked in the same team. A very nice person, may her soul rest in peace. Sincere condolences to the family.

Gary Kostyshin
August 24th, 2023

I worked with Jean for many years at the STC, she was always a lot of fun to work with, her sense of humour was always appreciated. My deepest condolences to her family, RIP buddy.

Jennifer Townley
August 24th, 2023

Jean and I became friends especially during our adventures to Cabo. Twice, just the two of us and a guide went horseback riding up a spectacular desert canyon. Jean always had a huge smile and her laughter was so joyous.
I miss her. My thoughts and love to her family and friends. ❤️

Matthew Logan
August 15th, 2023

Jean made my life at Revenue Canada better and more fun and I thank her for that. What a great laugh she had! And although I will miss her I know she is now resting in peace.

Vivian Crombach
August 14th, 2023

My deepest sympathy for the family. I met Jean at the YMCA teaching aerobics. We met up again at CRA. She was always smiling and positive.
Rest in peace Jean.

Jeannine Martin
August 9th, 2023

Our sincerest condolences to all of you. Jean was a great lady! I loved walks and talks at the lake with Diane and Jean over the years and a memory that speaks to Jean’s adventurous and fun-loving spirit, that always brings a big smile to my face with gratitude that I was a participant, is our epic kayaking event that made us laugh until we almost cried! Rest in peace Jean. With love, The Martin’s

Steve Rathwell
August 6th, 2023

Met Jeanie grade 6 we continued through 7 and 8 she was so smart helping me all the time athletic we played sports well liked she had lots friends makes sense just really nice person great heart my parents moved away and Jean’s the following year that didn’t stop us we hitchhiking whatever to see each other then came her dream she loved Diane all her heart we had lots of fun and so happy she found love and so many friends she even taught me my initials SSR

Barbara Seagram & Alex Ko
August 6th, 2023

Dear Doug and Margaret,

We are so very sad to hear this news. We miss you and think of you often.

With our deepest condolences,

Barbara Seagram & Alex Kornel

Debbie Lyons
August 5th, 2023

Though I never worked with Jean, I had met her at work. She was such a wonderful person. My husband and I had gone to a wedding in Sudbury and were traveling to Nova Scotia to visit a friend. We stayed in Ottawa with them in their new place. They had just moved in the day before and then on the way back. Jean and Frank were such great hosts. She will be missed

Bernice Ristau
August 5th, 2023

Rest in Peace Jean. Your soul will soar in the heavens!

Luciana
August 5th, 2023

Rest in peace Jean. It was a blessing and a honour to have met and spent time with you. I will always remember your grace, kindness and beautiful smile.

Teresa Kelly
August 5th, 2023

Jean was a wonderful person to be around always positive. She was a mentor at work and never had a cross word to say about anybody. She was a great tour guide during my travels for training sessions in Ottawa she always knew the right places to go. You will be sorely missed. RIP hugs to the family.

Lila Labrosse
August 5th, 2023

A kind and wonderful person, she was able to not only be a great team leader but a good friend as well. So well known and liked by everyone at the STC. Such a loss to her family and friends. Rest In Peace, Jean.

Jill Woodward
August 4th, 2023

Such a bright and shining star. Always happy........such a loss. My sincere condolences to Diane and her families. She will be missed.

Gloria Perger
August 4th, 2023

I remember Jean from many years at the Surrey Tax Centre. She was always a joy with a lovely smile. Sorry to the family for this huge loss.

Bonnie Rumley
August 4th, 2023

I am very sorry to hear of Jean’’s passing. Although Jean and I worked in different areas of the tax centre we did become friends. She graciously picked me up and took me to dinner once when we were both working in Ottawa. My husband and I also bowled with Jean and Frank many years ago. Jean always had a smile on her face and would do almost anything for you. My condolences to the family. RIP jean ❤️❤️

Erin McBeth
August 4th, 2023

What a beautiful, strong woman Jean was!
My deepest sympathies go to the entire family. Jean left us far too soon unfortunately to uncontrollable circumstances. I know she will be forever missed by her close family. May you all find peace in remembering Jean's beautiful smile, bubbly nature and her infectious laugh.

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