Sadly, we must announce that our Mom, Jessie Fleming, passed away peacefully on her 101st birthday.
Jessie was born in the Fort House on Fortune Drive in North Kamloops, the 10th of 11 children born to John Alexander Clapperton and Isabella Duncan Smith. She grew up in the farming communities surrounding Kamloops including Barnhartvale, Campbell Range, Lac de Bois, and Westwold. She moved into Kamloops when in her 20’s and she began working at Whiteway Laundry.
She met Elvin Fleming at a barn dance, and they were married in 1955. Mom was very involved with her children’s interests and soon began a career as a volunteer. She was a member of Girl Guides of Canada for 55 years, initially as a ‘Brown Owl’ and later as a member of the Trefoil Guild. She fondly remembered many good times camping with the girls. She also was very active with the Kamloops Highland Dancing Society and the Caledonian Society.
Later she resumed her working career at McGavins Bakery and at Thrupp Manor until she retired at the age of 70. At that point she turned to volunteering with the Royal Inland Hospital Auxiliary, Thrift Stores, and as a volunteer shopper with the Seniors Outreach Society. Jessie was awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the Mayor of Kamloops in 2013, of which she was very proud.
Mom loved to travel. When her children were young, we went on numerous road trips to visit family around BC. Later her many trips included a trip to Holland with her sisters Beatrice and Pearl; a trip to Norway with her dear friend Gladys; visits to her children as we ventured off to Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Nova Scotia; as well as many, many bus trips with Wells Gray Tours.
Jessie is survived by her three children: Judy (Ross) Stringer, Russell Fleming, Bernice (Larry) Durand, two granddaughters: Emily and Chelsea Stringer, and many, many nieces and nephews.
Jessie led a very independent, active, social, and happy life. She credited volunteering with keeping her healthy. She always had a big smile for everyone. She will be missed.
Services to be held at Kamloops Funeral Home at 11:00 am Saturday, May 11, 2024
For those who would like to partake online, please do so here: https://www.ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47
The PIN will be added here, to the obituary, the day before the service.
Just think of the joy
When after all odds
She reached for a hand
And found it was God’s
Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
2 Tributes
Our condolences to Jessie’s family. Jessie was my Brown Owl when I was very young. She helped me start my volunteer career. I have been volunteering since I was a Brownie at many different things. She taught me a lot. So fortunate to have had her in my life. I have kept in touch with her for years except the last couple as I lost track of her. May she rest in eternal peace. Judy, Russell and Bernice, thank you for sharing your mom with so many. She was one of a kind. Gonna miss her a lot. Shirley Philpot (Lamarche)
I volunteered with Jessie at Safeway through Seniors Outreach Services. She was a treasure, always so kind. She remains an inspiration to me, because she led the kind of life I want to lead, filled with service to others and kindness. She will be truly missed. My deep condolences to her loved ones.
Lindsay Curry