It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gilberte (Jill) Marie Madeleine Kachur (nee Durette) at the age of 93, beloved mother of Andrew (Andy). Predeceased by her beloved husband, Elmer, parents Antoine and Marie-Louise Durette, siblings: Rose-Anna, Antonio, Lucien, Bertrand, Cecile, Germaine and Aline.
Jill is survived by her son, Andrew, her sister, Lucille, of Quebec, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on May 17, her brother-in-law, Ernest (Angela) of St. Catharines, ON, her sister-in-law, Elffie (Jim) of Regina Beach, SK. She will also be lovingly missed by her dear friends Jeanne (Lucien) Boivin of Vernon, BC, Viviane (Ernie) Boivin of Maple Ridge, BC, and Genny (Bernie) Tinevez of Surrey, BC, and by her many nieces and nephews across Canada and Australia.
Born in St. Moise, Quebec, Jill later moved to Toronto to work. It is here that she met Elmer and later married him. They moved to Freeport, Bahamas where Elmer was employed. A few years later they settled in Surrey in the home that Elmer built and where they lived until they no longer could. Soon their son, Andrew, was born and their family was complete.
Jill became a stay-at-home mom and soon added two darling girls, Kirsten and Becky Dyck, to their family circle as Jill cared for them while their parents worked. Children were like a magnet to Jill and at any event they attended, she was drawn to the child (children) to have a little visit.
Being strong in her faith, Jill was an active in her church as a CWL member. Also, Jill and Elmer, through Retrouvaille, helped to run many retreats in parts of Canada and United States. They were proud of the many couples they were able to assist through their counselling. Over the years Jill and Elmer helped many street people giving comfort to those who had so little.
Jill will be remembered for her faith, her warmth and compassion, her beautiful smile and endearing giggle, her delicious cooking, and for her unconditional love and support for their son, Andrew.
Prayers will be held on Tuesday, May 9th at 8:00 pm at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Surrey. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 10th at 11:00 am also, at St. Matthew's. The mass will be live streamed at www.legacystreaming.com/kearney
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society.