Jeannette Malvena
Bonthoux
May 15, 1931 – May 14, 2010
Jan Bonthoux entered this world in Sudbury Ontario as Jeannette Malvena Roberts, the
daughter of Bill and Laura Roberts. Later the family moved to Penticton B.C. where her
parents opened a family restaurant called “Bill’s Place”. In her teenage years she started
her fi rst job at a photography shop called “Stocks” where her and her friend Sheighla took
turns napping in the dark room after late nights at the socials. They had their own secret
codes to alert each other if the boss was coming in. Jan went to a dance with her friends
and a handsome wavy haired man named Bernard Bonthoux saw her sitting at the end of the row alone and asked her to
dance. When he fl ashed a roll of bills Jan was smitten’. Later she discovered they were all singles! Her parents were REALLY
impressed when they found out he had a car. After a year of courting they were married. Barney’s job on the Kettle Valley
Railway took them to Brookmere, where they lived in a teeny one room house a few feet from the railway track. It wasn’t just
the trains rocking this little shack, thirteen months later Carol-ann was born. Settled in Penticton, Jan gave birth to Margo and
Glenn who were space nicely 3 years apart. A job promotion with the CP Railway brought them to Revelstoke. Ten years after
the birth of Glenn what was supposed to be a “warm night by the fi re” brought them Julie.
They built a cabin at Machette Lake which was enjoyed for 32 years by family and friends. Jan organized and hosted the
Machette Lake Derby for 20 years which she loved every minute of.
Jan’s passion was traveling. Over the years she and Barney explored many countries, bartering her way around the world,
bran muffi n and cheese in her fanny pack. Elephant massage, parasailing, horseback riding, dancing, snake wearing Jan
wasn’t content to stay on the tour bus!
Jan loved cheesecake… well food in general actually…, fi gure skating, Oprah, Judge Judy, coupons, diamonds, glitz, returning
things to the store and taking yearly trips to Vegas with her daughters.
After a full life and 59 years of marriage to Barney, Jan left this world on the eve of her 79th birthday. Predeceased by her
parents Bill and Laura, and brother Guy.
Jan is leaving wonderful loving memories for her children, Carol-Ann (Gerry), Margo (Dennis), Glenn (Lena), Julie (Daryle). Tons
of hugs and giggles shared with her grandchildren, Rachelle (Pat), Heather (Freddie), Cassie (James), Spencer, Jordan and
Chloe. A great Gramma who loved to get on the fl oor to play with Jack, Lauren and Quinn. Survived by her sisters Vi Oliver and
Doreen (Stan) Velin and sister-in-law Doreen Roberts as well as numerous sister & brother in-laws on Barney’s side, nieces,
nephews and countless Friends.
Jan lived life, laughed lots, and left nothing on her bucket list.
Have a good trip.
We are proud to invite you to Jan’s celebration of life Thursday, May 20th, 1-4 p.m., at the Schubert Centre, 3505 30th Ave,
Vernon, B.C. In lieu of fl owers, those wishing to remember Jan are encouraged to make donations to the Heart and Stroke
foundation. Condolenses may be offered at www.mem.com.