With love and sadness, the family of Jean Wilkinson announce her passing on November 12, 2025, at St. Mary’s Health Care Centre in Trochu, Alberta.

Jean was born on November 25, 1936, in High River, Alberta to parents Alfred Leonard Watkins and Evelyn (Ford) Watkins, and spent her childhood there alongside her parents and older sister, Irene.

Jean attended the Westward and Eastward Schools in High River and graduated in 1955 from the newly built High River High School. Her mother instilled in her a strong work ethic, and babysitting, part time jobs, attendance at St. Benedict’s Anglican Church, piano lessons, swimming, friends, and Teen Town were important parts of her childhood and teen years. After completing high school, Jean enrolled in Calgary Business College and graduated in 1956.

Jean’s career began in High River at the Heseltine Law Office, where she worked for 16 years. Jean married Allan Kemery on February 1, 1958, and together they had two children, Dana and David. She stayed active in her community serving as a Councillor for the Town of High River from 1966-1971 and worked for the M.D. of Foothills for a short time.

Following her divorce from Allan, Jean’s life took a new direction. She moved from High River to Okotoks and worked for a law firm in Calgary. She found love with Elton Wilkinson, and the two shared a long-lasting bond, marrying on January 27, 1978.

Together they lived on and operated their mixed grain and cattle farm, Ribbon Creek Angus, north of Carbon, from 1974 until 2013. Great times were spent at the farm over the years when the kids and eventually grandkids, would come to visit. Riding horses, doing chores, feeding cattle, collecting eggs and “checking the chickens” (including exotic breeds that Jean enjoyed), playing with the cats, kittens, and dogs, and tending the garden were some of the aspects of farm life Jean enjoyed sharing with her growing family.

In addition to the farm, Jean worked for the M.D. of Kneehill in Three Hills, was a member of St. Barnabas Anglican Church, and kept up with friends and her community. She continued her ties to High River, visiting her mother, children, and grandchildren frequently, and maintaining an interest in local events and history. 

After retiring in 1994, Jean continued to work alongside Elton on the farm while enjoying more time with her children and grandchildren and further pursuing her many hobbies and interests. Her artistic side shone through in her love of music, singing in choir, playing piano, painting, and drawing.

In 2013, Jean and Elton moved to a condo in Three Hills and sold the farm in 2014. In 2024, Jean required more care than could be provided at home and she was transferred to long-term care, where Elton, her family and friends continued to visit her until her passing.

Jean is survived by her husband of 47 years, Elton Wilkinson; her children, Dana (Colin) Valgardson and David (Mandy) Kemery; Elton’s children, Deb (Larry) Ellithorpe, Brian Wilkinson, Myles (Marg) Wilkinson, and Dale Wilkinson; her grandchildren, Caitland (Spencer) Asmundson, Paige Valgardson (Josh Field), Mikaela Valgardson (Thomas Downie); Michael (Jenn) Elliott, Craig Kemery, Tyson (Bailey) Kemery, Allana (Scott) Mueller; Sherry Krozser, Candace Justinick, Rodney Justinick; Raymond Wilkinson and Taylor Wilkinson (Guy Bouvier); her great-grandchildren, Roman, Allan (Daynien), Kevin (Rae), Dakota, and Laura Elliott; Lila, Hazel, and Isaac Kemery; Parker and Aria Mueller; Elin, Eira, and Ever Asmundson; Mikayla, Austin, Savannah, and Jordynn Krozser, Sebastian Wuthrich, and Jaxen Sibbons; Jadin Justinick; and Sterling Wilkinson; and her great-great-grandchild, Aurora Elliott.

Also surviving Jean are her sister Irene’s family; nephew and nieces, John (Reta), Kelly, Kathy and their families; Elton’s sister, Merle (Steve), nephews and nieces Cameron (Stephanie), Judy, David, Grant and their families; as well as nephews and nieces from the Kemery family.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, Alfred Leonard and Evelyn Watkins; her sister, Irene (Bill) Norrish; brother-in-law Donald (Charmaine) Wilkinson; granddaughter Shelby Kemery; nephews and nieces, Warren, Eric, Glenda and Shelley; her first husband, Allan and members of his extended family.

Jean will be lovingly remembered for her strong work ethic, keen mind, and her many gifts and talents that she shared with her family and community throughout her life.

Friends and family are invited to attend a short graveside service at the Highwood Cemetery, High River at 1pm on December 14, 2025, followed by a time of fellowship and remembrance at Snodgrass Funeral Home.

Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home – High River (403) 652-2222.