Jessie Switzer (nee Friesen) (1919 – 2022) of Abbotsford, BC, died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, October 13, having finally found some mischief to attend. She was 102 years, 11 months, and 1 day young. Born in Beaver Flats, Saskatchewan, Jessie came to BC on her own in 1940 to study at The Academy of Useful Arts in Vancouver, where she received a diploma in Clothing Design and was the only student in the Academy’s history to achieve a perfect 100%.
Arriving in Abbotsford in 1940 to care for her aged grandparents before entering the Academy, Jessie met her future husband and the love of her life, Lyall Switzer, in the Legion Coffee Shop. For Lyall, it was love at first sight. They were married in 1945. Lyall passed in 1982. With her diploma, Jessie became a master dressmaker and ran her own home-based business for years. Jessie and Lyall later owned and operated the Lite Spot Lamp Shop. In their retirement, both Jessie and Lyall acted as school crossing guards.
With personal growth and self-reliance as cornerstones of her faith, Jessie strove to be better each day, following the words and principles of The Daily Word as her guide, and while she did not suffer fools gladly, Jessie was kind and loving and always ready to offer assistance and genuine heart-felt camaraderie to those she loved and those in need.
Jessie was a founding member in the Abbotsford chapter of AlAnon, and a long-time member of Unity Church of Bellingham. She was also very active and one of the originating members in Learning Plus in Abbotsford.
The third oldest of a family of eight children, Jessie is survived by her sister Jean Friesen, her daughters Jewel Thompson and Iris Switzer-Boyter, her grandchildren Travis Wagner and Tracey Wagner, her son-in-law Mark Boyter, and by numerous nieces and nephews. Jessie also leaves behind many dear friends who shared in her life. She was loved by all and will be missed dearly.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at the George Derby Care Centre in Burnaby, where Jessie spent the last four years of her life, for the love and care they provided for her. There will be a small private family service. Those who knew and loved Jessie are invited to leave condolences and remembrances here.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jessie Switzer nee Friesen 1919 – 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique