On March 28, 2021 an accomplished woman and a gentle soul was lost to the people who loved her. Jeanie (Georgina) Ascroft, was born in St. Lambert, Quebec and died in New Westminster, BC after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Predeceased by her parents, George and Winnifred Oldbury, and brother George, Jeanie was a loving and supportive partner to her husband Robert (Bob) for almost 56 years.
Jeanie graduated as an RN from the Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing in Montreal and worked for almost two decades in various fields – obstetrics, neurology, ICU, school, and public health. While nursing in the day she took evening courses gaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Montreal’s Concordia University. She then embarked on a career as a much loved kindergarten teacher. Jeanie was an accomplished piano player and taught music from Kindergarten through Third graders in the early years of her school. She was an advocate for whale conservation with her classes holding an annual “Whale of a Bake Sale” raising money to ‘adopt’ an Orca whale. Jeanie shared her love of music and sang as a soprano in the Coastal Sound Community Choir.
Having survived a severe illness in her twenties, Jeanie was determined to live life to the fullest. She was an avid hiker and fledgling pilot. A skilled helmsperson, Jeanie could handle any sail or twin-engine powerboat. With her husband, she sailed the Great Lakes, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and in both sail and power cruisers explored many destinations in the Salish Sea. She was the editor of the Royal City Power & Sail Squadron’s newsletter for several years. In her mid 50’s Jeanie earned a brown belt in Shotokan Karate and won provincial medals at the beginner and intermediate levels. She was an avid lawn bowler and loved to compete in tournaments into her early 70’s. When no longer able to bowl, Jeanie went to the tournaments to cheer on her husband and friends at their competitions.
Jeanie was a warm, welcoming person and loved animals as much as she loved people. Over her lifetime she looked after a myriad of dogs and cats and was an enthusiastic supporter of the BCSPCA.
Heartfelt thanks to Carrie from Home Instead who provided Jeanie exemplary in-home care for over a year, to Sandra and Mandi who looked after Jeanie’s care schedule. Heartfelt thanks also to the New Westminster Kiwanis Care Centre, particularly nurses, Jasmine, May and Michael, other nurses, caregivers, and staff who tenderly cared for Jeanie in her final stage. Their compassionate care was very much appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club whenever it is safe for her friends to get together and hug safely.
In lieu of flowers a donation to either to the BCSPCA or Kiwanis Care Centre New Westminster would have pleased Jeanie.