May 20, 2021
On Thursday May 20th Barbara Mary Jemson passed away at Sidney All Care in Sidney B.C at the age of 89. Her daughters Elizabeth and Lucinda were so grateful to be with her as she left this world and was welcomed into Heaven by Jesus.
Predeceased by her parents, 2 infant children, Marion and Nigel, and by her husband, Dr.John Jemson in December 2019.
Mum was born February 1932 in Sydenham, in the County of London. Barbara began her nurse's training at Guy's Hospital in London in October 1950, which she completed in October 1954. While she was in Nurse's training she met Dad, who was training to be a doctor. They were married on March 5th, 1955. Almost 2 years later they left England for Canada with their 15 month old son James and Mum pregnant with twins.
They arrived in Halifax and travelled onto Manitoba, where they lived until July 1976. While living in Manitoba Mum was very busy raising her young family, and in the early days helping Dad run his busy practice. Mum was active in the community in Glenboro, leading the Brownie Pack, driving the boys to nearby small towns for hockey games and even taking part in Judo with them.
In July 1976 the family made the move to Port Alberni, B.C. Once again she became involved in the community and her church.
She continued driving us to our activities, like figure skating at 5 am, and during ski season she would drive my sister and I up Mt. Arrowsmith, drop us off, drive back down the mountain only to drive back up late in the afternoon to pick us up at the end of the day.
Mum will be remembered for many things, but mainly for her love of family, friends, and entertaining. She was a great hostess, an amazing cook, a quilter, as well as being generous with her time and talents. She was well known at her church in Port Alberni for her expert soup and bread making, and her delicious cookies.
In November 2016 dementia was taking hold of Mum, so the decision was made to move Mum and Dad to Sooke to be closer to family.
Mum and Dad moved into Sidney All Care in July 2018. Mum is survived by her 5 children, James (Helen), Steven (Rose), Paul (Lucy), Elizabeth (Phil), and Lucinda (Mike). She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Her younger sister Rosemary also survives her in Birmingham,UK.
As we weren't able to have a service for Dad due to earlier covid restrictions ,a Celebration of Life Service is being held on Saturday September 11th at 12:00pm at Jericho Road Church in Port Alberni for Mum and Dad, as well as for two other loved members of the congregation.
Mum and Dad you are much loved and greatly missed.