Georgina "Jean" Gaye (Ives) Knelsen

It is with great sadness that the family of Georgina (Jean) Knelsen announces her passing on September 7, 2025.

Jean will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 49 years, Tim, and fondly remembered by her daughter, Tracey (John), and her son, Trevor (Monica). She was a proud grandmother to Tim Gleason (Rebecca), Matt Gleason, and Jacob Knelsen, and a cherished great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her siblings: sisters Nancy (Cecil), Shirley, Marie (Bob), and her brother Ed (Maggie), along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and George Ives, and her sister, Pat Hedley.

Jean will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and unwavering love for her family—qualities that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

At the family and Jean’s request, no memorial service or celebration of life will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

Eulogy for Jean Knelsen

Georgina Knelsen, lovingly known as Jean — a remarkable woman who leaves behind a legacy of strength, honesty, creativity, and deep love.

Jean was born in Wayne, Alberta, and throughout her life, she lived in many places alongside her parents, Ruth and George Ives, before eventually meeting the love of her life, Tim Knelsen, in Valemount, BC. They were married for 49 years — a bond built on love, humour, and mutual respect. And a lot of patience – not sure on who’s side though – Tim or Jean’s.  Together, they made homes in Creston and Vanderhoof, BC, and later retired to Alberta to be closer to their children and grandchildren — a testament to what mattered most to Jean: her family. They were, without a doubt, her greatest treasure.

Jean had a long and fulfilling career as a bookkeeper, a role that suited her practical and precise nature. But retirement didn't slow her down — if anything, it gave her more time to devote to the things and people she loved.

Jean loved nature. She adored her garden — both flowers and vegetables. Her green thumb was matched only by her patience and joy in watching things grow. She also enjoyed fishing with Tim in their Zodiac boat, finding peace and pleasure in the quiet moments out on the water, hiking and sometimes just driving the countryside.

Creative and skilled, Jean was a proud and active member of a quilting guild, and her talents in quilting were known and admired by many. Her family members are fortunate to have cherished pieces she made — each stitch a reflection of her love and dedication. She shared this passion with her sisters, spending time together at quilt shows, visiting each other’s homes, and taking part in fun activities like paint-nights, quilting sessions, and more. These moments, filled with laughter and creativity, were among some of her favourites with her sisters.

Jean also had a spirit for adventure and travel. She and Tim explored Cuba — where she snorkeled (yes, snorkeled!) with her sister-in-law Dolores — as well as Mexico, and took a memorable trip across Canada and back. And in true Jean fashion, she packed her canner for the journey — ready to preserve fruit wherever and whenever it was in season.

Now, if you knew Jean, you knew Jean. There was no guessing where you stood with her. She was honest to the core — you always knew if she liked you or not. She was spicy — a little stubborn, a bit opinionated, and totally unfiltered — but if you were lucky enough to be her friend, you had a true friend for life. Loyal, generous, and unapologetically herself, Jean left an impression on everyone she met.

She leaves behind her devoted husband Tim, her daughter Tracey (John), her son Trevor (Monica), her grandchildren Tim Gleason (Rebecca), Matt Gleason, and Jacob Knelsen, and two great-grandchildren, sisters Nancy(Cecil), Shirley, Marie(Bob) and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and George, and her sister Pat Hedley — and we trust she is now reunited with them in peace.

Jean’s presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit — strong, vibrant, and unmistakably Jean — lives on in every garden grown, every quilt stitched, every mason jar sealed, every fish caught, and every memory shared.

Rest in peace, Jean. You were one of a kind — and we wouldn’t have had you any other way.

“You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived.  You can close your eyes and pray they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that they left for you.  Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them, or you can be full of the love you shared.  You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because  of yesterday.  You can remember only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.  You can cry and close your mind and feel empty, or you can do what they would want.

Smile, Open your heart, Love.. and go on.”

                                          Elizabeth Ammons

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