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Helen Jean Fischer

October 2, 2024

Helen Fischer

Fischer, Helen Jean, "Jean" (Smith)

Jean was born on December 3, 1923 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She passed away with her son David by her side followed by her granddaughter Marji and great grandsons Jordan and Zach on October 2, 2024, at Columbia View Lodge in Trail, BC.

She was predeceased by her husband John of 67 years, daughter Marjorie and two young infants. She was the last surviving member of a family of four-brothers and one sister.

Jean is survived by her sons David and Gordon (Marion), grandchildren: Marji (Keith), Michael (Kathleen), Nathan (Amanda), Zachary (Lindsay), Ben (Trevor), and ten great grand-children.

Jean and John moved to Trail in the late 1940s and would make their home, raise their family and immerse themselves in the town. Jean was well known in the community for her years of teaching and playing the piano, bridge playing and attendance in many social gatherings. Palm Springs was Jean and Johhny’s winter get away for many years of fun times to meet up with close friends and family. She enjoyed evenings by the television to knit and crochet where many blankets, sweaters, mitts and slippers were made for loved ones.

Jean's wish was to be donated to the “Body Donation Program” at UBC. Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence below.

Expressions of sympathy and memory to marjifischer@gmail.com would be greatly appreciated.

“They whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.” -St. John Chrysostom.

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Messages of Condolence

To the Fischer family, Goodness, memories flow as I reminisce about the unique and powerful personalities encountered in my life time. Jean, a most memorable treasure, left a wonderful legacy for us who were raised in the early memorable days of Lilac Crescent in Glenmerry. Jean and John were the "grownups" of our existence and neighbourhood - so many kids, so many adventures. If hereditary genes are any indication of character Jean's musical talent passed along in heaps to her children. Even in later years Jean, pianist maestro, anchored many community musical groups. So remarkable, 101 years of a strong will, extraordinary personal accomplishments and a life well lived. The Smyth family extends its condolences to the family. ~ Keith Smyth

Mrs. Fischer was my very first piano teacher. I was around 6 years old when I started lessons back in 1976. She always laughed when she told everyone how shy I was and how I said very little during lessons. I'm grateful she was my teacher as she had high standards for her students. Her decades of knowledge and expertise of teaching and playing the piano were passed on to her students. I am forever grateful for that. As a piano teacher myself. I strive to pass on what I learned from Jean to my own students. She will live on through music. Thank you Mrs. Fischer for being my teacher. Rest in peace. ~ Maria Ciardullo

I was so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. She was truly an amazing lady and lived life to the fullest. At this sad time I hope you can all take a measure of comfort in the many good and precious memories of the life you shared with her. To all the family I offer my deepest sympathy. ~ Doreen Meneer

Jean was an icon to me. She was so talented and such a gifted lady. One of my favourite memories is the evening she played "Happy Birthday" in about six different pianistic styles for the assembled party goers. It was magical. ~ Beth Lloyd

David, Gordon and families: We were saddened to read about the loss of your mother. It seems like yesterday when I saw her at Columbia View Lodge just after a writeup appeared in the Trail Times about her milestone birthday. I congratulated her and mentioned that I lived in the same neighbourhood as her for many years until I married and moved to Warfield. She has not changed much in all these years, and as friendly as ever. I'm sure she will be greatly missed by so many people. GayLaJuan (Mykietyn) and John Lattanzio ~ GayLaJuan Lattanzio