Jean passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2024, surrounded by her family and listening to the sweet sounds of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” She was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank, in 2015.
Jean was born on March 25, 1934, in Vancouver, BC, to Helena Lis and Frank Bodlak, both Polish immigrants. After graduating from Magee Secondary School, she attended the Sprott Shaw School of Business, where she received secretarial training. Her first job was as a secretary at Tuckett Tobacco.
In 1950, Jean met her future husband, Frank, at a Polish dance shortly after his arrival in Canada from Poland. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in 1952. A few years later, the couple moved to Powell River, where Frank got a job as a welder in the local mill, and Jean dedicated herself to raising their three sons in the Townsite. She was a devoted mother, always attending her sons’ sports games and cheering them on. Jean was also known as “Queen B” by many of their friends, as she took a keen interest in their social lives.
Jean was a well-known socialite during the glory days of the local pulp and paper mill. Her social acumen and sharp intellect made her a fearsome bridge player, and she was an active member of the local Duplicate Bridge Club for many years. She travelled to out-of-town tournaments, and in 1981, she earned the title of Life Master in the bridge world. Jean’s favourite bridge partners were Dennis Bremner, Don Campbell, and her brother Stan.
As her sons grew up, Jean would visit her older brother Stan, who ran an art gallery on Granville Island. Inspired by his store, Jean opened her own shop, Paperworks, on Marine Avenue, where she was soon joined by her youngest son, Steve, in 1985. After her family and her friends, Paperworks was the joy of her life. She loved attending gift shows in Toronto and Vancouver, always on the lookout for unique gift items. A loyal friend to many, Jean had a passion for meeting new people, hearing their stories and connecting them with her own experiences. With unrelenting stamina, she continued working at Paperworks until the age of 90, when she received a cancer diagnosis. Jean could talk endlessly about fashion, pop culture trends and community goings-on. In her last days, when she was no longer able to go into the store, she would “hold court” in her living room with family, friends and care aids. She was fiercely determined to live independently in her home for as long as she could, surrounded by her award-winning Townsite heritage garden. Until the end, she did it her way.
Jean is survived by her three sons: Ken (Rose), Gerry (Liz) and Steve (Kristen); two beloved nieces; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. The family expresses gratitude to the Home Care Nursing Team and their special family friend, Dr. Marty Gerard (Saskatoon). Special thanks also go to the community care workers (she adored you all) and her cherished neighbours, Patti and Jack.
In keeping with Jean’s wishes, there will be no service. Donations in her honour can be made to the Four Tides Hospice Society.
