Catherine Jean (Smith) Mottershead

Our beloved Jean passed away peacefully with her husband by her side after a five year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Jean was born on a farm near Bonnyville, Alberta. She was the first child of Danny and Cathie Smith, and sister to Mack, Sid and Richard. After graduating from the University of Alberta, she began the teaching career that she loved so much.

She returned to university for a Master’s Degree, where she met Don. They were married in 1977 and were blessed with sons Jeff (1979) and Blair (1980). When the boys were young pre-schoolers Jean chose to spend those years with them as a stay at home mom.

Jean returned to work at Norquest College in Edmonton, an institution focused on adult learners, newcomers to Canada and indigenous students. Jean was highly esteemed by her students and her colleagues, and eventually became the administrator of a program that allowed academically gifted students to progress at a faster pace.

When sons Jeff and Blair were in junior high school they asked their parents if the family could visit their favourite elementary school teacher, Ruth Powell, who was now retired and apparently living on some remote island called Quadra. Jean and Don loved the island so much that they retired there themselves in 2009.

Jean loved the community on Quadra, made many friends, and especially enjoyed being a member of Quadra Singers. Jean undertook a major project when she began helping her mother collect her memoirs, and ended up publishing a book with her in 2017 titled In Sunshine and In Shadow.

In 2019 Jean began showing signs of Alzheimer’s, and the effects of the disease progressed over the following years. But Jean never lost the sweet disposition that charmed so many people. Friends and family would be greeted with a smile and genuine affection from Jean.  Jean loved walking our dog with Don and friends, going to the local coffee shops with Blair, and the many visits from Jeff, daughter-in-law Iva and grandson Devlin.  Jean remained at home until September 2025.

The family would like to thank the Home Support workers, hospital staff and especially her friends – who all supported Jean and her family over the past few years.

A remembrance will be planned for Jean when the warm weather returns.   In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a Food Bank of your choice.