December 25, 1938–September 2, 2020
It is with heavy heart we announce the passing of our beloved mother Jean Elizabeth of Blaine.
She was born on December 25, 1938 alongside her twin sister in Chemainus, B.C. to Leslie and Betty Coles. Jean grew up on Vancouver Island and later would reside in Cloverdale where she would learn her love of cooking in the family business. Jean and her sister came down to Blaine one day and stopped at the Pastime where she met and fell in love with the love of her life. Russel Thomas asked her to dance and the rest is history.
Five children, a couple of restaurants and a catering business later, Jean made a name for herself and her family. She was a loving and generous woman who always made sure you didn’t go hungry. She was known as the diva of canning, winning 10 years at the Lynden Fair. She was not a fan of garlic or spicy food but made the best salsa using her homegrown tomatoes. She would go hunting and fishing with her husband and made a beautiful rose garden after his passing in his memory. You always would find her watching Wheel of Fortune Monday through Friday, her favorite show.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband Russel Thomas; sons Dan and Don Thomas; parents Betty and Leslie Coles; and sister Joan Donn.
Jean is survived by her daughters Debbie (Clyde) Strickland, Diane (Dave) Conrad, Darlene (Kirk) Hunt; sister Leslie (Dennis) Charlton; grandchildren Brigitte (Cleigh), Matthew (Tiffany), Sheenah (Rob), Michelle, Mark (Lillian), Ashley (Mario), Chrissy, Alex (Mike), Michael (Kristin), Jordan; and numerous great-grandchildren and friends who she loved and adored.
Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be announced later in The Northern Light. Feel free to contact the family at 360-306-1608.
