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Jean Clipperton

 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Maria Clipperton (née Theaker), beloved wife, mother, and friend to all whose lives she touched, on November 27th, 2020. Jean left us peacefully from Newport Harbour Care Centre in Calgary, Alberta. She was 87 years old. 

Jean was born May 12,1933, along with her twin sister, Joan, to Elmer and Margaret Theaker, homesteaders, at Provost, Alberta. They were the youngest of the family of seven children.

Jean attended Ferry Hill Elementary School and graduated from Provost High School. She worked in Provost where she met her husband and best friend of 67 years, John (Jack) Clipperton. After marrying, the couple moved briefly to Banff and then to Calgary where they resided until their retirement. While in Calgary they lovingly raised their five children, Gerald (Joanne Gress), Linda (Anthony van Son), Ronald, Lori (Tom Buckie) and Carol (Richard Hood).

Jean was actively involved in the community as a Brownie leader, as well as a volunteer at Westgate Community Center and Woodcliff United Church.

While raising her children, Jean achieved her lifelong dream of returning to school and earned an Education degree at the University of Calgary. She majored in early childhood education and art. Jean taught her first year at Bowness School and the remaining 10 years at Killarney School.

Jean and Jack then retired to Canmore where they planned and had their dream home built, looking out onto the Three Sisters mountain range. 

Her retirement years were spent travelling the world extensively with Jack and partnering with him in many volunteer activities. These included working as docents for McDougall Church in Morley, hosting visitors at the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks in Canmore and assisting with social events at the Canmore Seniors Association. Jean and Jack were actively involved in their church community of Ralph Connor Memorial Church. For several years, Jean also used her talents from teaching to maintain the seasonal bulletin boards at Canmore Library. Jean discovered watercolor painting later in life and has blessed family and friends with beautiful gifts of her art. She also enjoyed sewing and crafting.

Jean was an incredible hostess who provided lovingly prepared, delicious meals on a regular basis to family and guests, from near and far. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family and especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

Jean is survived by her husband John (Jack), her children, twin sister Joan Hochhausen and sister Verna Mailer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She will be forever in the hearts of her nine grandchildren; Jennifer van Son, Brendan van Son, Curtis van Son, Simon Clipperton, Ryan Hood, Ashley Clipperton, Hannah Buckie, Matthew Hood, Joel Buckie and twin great grandchildren, Sloane and Jack Bell.

Jean was predeceased by her parents and siblings; Lorne Theaker, Victoria Halvorson, Violet McGillvray and Mabel Hope, as well as grandson, Jonah Buckie, and great grandson, Anthony van Son. 

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Newport Harbour Care Centre and Dr. Graham Hunter, for providing excellent care and gentle support to Jean during the past year and a half.

It is anticipated that an opportunity to celebrate Jean’s life will take place in Canmore, later in the Spring.

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