Jean will be lovingly missed by her son Greg, daughter-in-law Jane, daughter Janet, son-in-law Doug, grandchildren David, Lisa, and Andrew and two great-granddaughters. Jean was born in Manila, The Philippines Islands to Australian parents, Frank and Mary Merritt. She had a passion for drawing, painting, and dance from a very young age.
During World War Two, Jean, along with her parents, survived three long years as civilian prisoners of war in Manila. They were dramatically rescued by American Armed Forces in February 1945. Jean relocated to Sydney, Australia, where she furthered her lifelong love of art at East Sydney Technical College.
Jean immigrated to Victoria in 1949, and worked as a commercial graphic artist in fashion advertising with The Hudson Bay and Eaton’s. It was here that she met Peter Small, and they married in 1953.
Jean obtained a bachelor degree in Fine Art from UVic in 1974. She pursued and excelled in drawing, watercolors, silkscreen, and lithography (printmaking) her whole life. She also enjoyed traveling to see family and playing tennis and golf.
Jean was known for her gentle and kind nature, and her unconditional love for family. In 96 full and enriched years she accomplished many great things and touched so many people in very positive ways. She fully embraced life, appreciated the goodness in people, and found joy and beauty in everything. Jean was always happy to help and share her lovely spirit with others and had remarkable strength and resilience, always rising to challenges and acquiring new skills.
An informal gathering of family and friends to share our memories of Jean’s life will be held in the Fall of 2023.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Luther Court Society.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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