May 4th, 1925 – October 2nd, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean MacLean of Kamloops, BC, on October 2nd, 2021 at 96 years of age. She is survived by her children Gary (Shirley) MacLean of Kamloops, and Gayle (Pete) MacLean of Sorrento, her grandchildren Nicole (Darren) Harrison, Josh (Wendy) MacLean, Jamie (Cameron) MacLean, Nick (Megan) MacLean, Jayse (Rae-ann) Boland, and Melissa MacLean. Also left to cherish her memory are great-grandchildren Ryelee, Maddix, Emma, Caelan, Luca, Sanna, Walker, Lincon, Peggy, Phoenix, Lucy, Lachlan and Lauren, as well as her brother John Panasuk, and other relatives Nick Panasuk, Kyle (Rozalind), Rhodes Panasuk and Greg Gibb. Jean was predeceased by Nick Panasuk, Duncan MacLean, Gordon Gibb and Rose Gibb.

Jean was born on May 4th, 1925, and passed away at 96 surrounded by her family. Jean’s parents left Kiev, Ukraine, with her brother Nick, and settled in Saskatchewan, Canada. After Jean’s mother passed away, they moved to New Westminster, where Jean lived for many years. She was one of the first females to be allowed to work for MacMillan Bloedel during World War 2. Jean met her husband at a dance hall, and they were married in 1953. Duncan and Jean had Gary and Gayle. They moved to Terrace, BC, in 1964 and Jean opened her famous donut shop at the Terrace airport. She was famously known by CP pilots, world travelers, and locals as “Jean, Jean, the Donut Queen.” In 1968 she sold her business and moved to Kamloops, BC. As a single mother of 2, she put herself through hairdressing school, and then went on to open 2 salons – one in Kamloops, and one in Barriere. Years later, she would close those salons and open one at the Ponderosa Lodge, where her sister worked beside her. After retiring, Jean’s sole focus was her grandchildren. Her whole world revolved around them. Jean loved to fish, square dance, and have family gatherings to be with her grandchildren – she was also unbeatable at crib! She was lovingly referred to as NENE. She will be greatly missed, as she was the heart of our family. We would like to thank Gemstone staff, Dr. Howie, Jenelle Sample and Hunter for the amazing care of Jean over the years.

There will be no formal ceremony, by request. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia.

You may express condolences by visiting Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-10-02
• Location : kamloops