June 1, 1950 - April 6, 2019
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, wife, sister and grandma, Jodi. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Kelowna General Hospital at the age of 68 years.
Jodi was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta to George and Ida Cleeve. After a few short years, the family moved to Castlegar and settled into a cozy home on Columbia Avenue. Jodi's dad passed away when she was young, and she took it upon herself to help her Mom care for her sisters while they were growing up. Even from an early age, Mom was always there for others, caring for them and giving of her gentle spirit.
She married the love of her life, Lawrence in 1970 and together the two shared two children together, Jennifer and Jeremy. Jodi was a stay-at-home mom and an active member in the Catholic Church for most of her life. She was a member of the C.W.L, Parish Pastoral Council, New Church Building committee, and a catechism teacher for well over 30 years. Jodi lived her faith and it shone through her beautiful disposition and caring acts for others. She gave of herself and never asked for anything in return. Growing up, Mom always volunteered with school activities. We could always count on her being there for us.
Jodi spent many a night doing crossword puzzles, Sudoku or reading through her gardening magazines planning for Spring and Summer planting. Mom's passion was her garden and there was no place she would rather be. She loved starting plants in the greenhouse as it was a way to get through the late winter months and see signs of spring again.
Throughout my Dad's career, in his work at the B.C. Ambulance Service and as a City Councillor and Mayor, Jodi stood by his side through it all. Whether it be helping him write speeches, cooking late dinners after he returned from a late call or attending functions on behalf of the City, there's nothing she wouldn't have done for him.
The real apples of Mom's eyes were her two grandsons whom she adored. Affectionately known as Ama, Mom just lit up anytime those boys were around. They loved being out in the garden with her, running though the corn and picking peas. She would always bring out a big green bowl and half of them would be eaten by the time they got in the house.
Jodi was predeceased by her parents George and Ida Cleeve. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Lawrence, daughter Jennifer (Mike), son Jeremy (Brooke), two grandsons Aiden and Matthew, sisters Karen (Tom), Cheryl and many nieces and nephews. Her legacy lives on in all the lives she touched through her many acts of kindness, love and respect. Mom always used to say "out with the bad, in with the good" and these are words we will take with us, in counting our blessings and looking on the bright side as she always did.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 12 at 10:30 am at St. Rita's Parish in Castlegar, B.C. Prayers of the Rosary will be recited on Thursday night at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rita's Parish in Jodi's memory.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Castlegar Funeral Chapel.