We Remember
FORBES, Jewel Irene – UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION
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1946 – 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jewel Irene Forbes (MacBurnie) of Kelowna, BC, at the age of 79. She passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side.
Born in Truro and raised in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, she attended North Colchester High School, graduating in 1964. She worked as a secretary for many years, beginning with William Nelson law firm in Tatamagouche. She was employed by a number of organizations as she travelled the country with her Air Force husband over a span of 28 years. After spending many years in Ottawa, she moved to Kelowna, BC in 2018 to be closer to family.
Jewel is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Don, with whom she shared a life built on partnership and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed by her son Darren (Kari) and her cherished grandchildren Parker and Maggie. She is also survived by cousins Gerald MacBurnie of North Sydney and Anne Burden of Hansport, NS.
Jewel was predeceased by her father Austin and mother Susan MacBurnie (née Langille) of Tatamagouche.
She enjoyed her free time knitting dishcloths, and in keeping with her generous nature, sold them and donated the proceeds to many organizations such as The Food Bank, SPCA, Mamas for Mamas and The Children’s Hospital. Over the years, she became an avid auto racing and curling fan, attending many events like The Toronto Indy, The Brier, and The Scotties Tournament of Hearts. After coming to Kelowna, she became a season ticket holder of the Kelowna Rockets hockey club and a big fan of the Kelowna Major Men’s Fastball League.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Purdon and the wonderful staff at the Interior Health’s Palliative Care and Community Home Support organizations, as well as The Canadian Red Cross.
A celebration of Jewel’s life will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM, located at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.
If desired, donations in her memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.



We were saddened to hear of Jewel’s passing. While I only knew her briefly, I do know that her mum was so very proud of her. I will treasure my dishcloths and remember her visit fondly.
So sorry for your loss.
Carol Walton
Dear Don, I was very sorry to hear of Jewel’s passing. I remember her generous nature well and all the knitting she did for charitable causes. In my memory of 9/11, Jewel was the first to tell me of a plane crashing into a New York building as I passed by Jewel at the Scotiabank reception desk. She was always a pleasant presence to greet staff and customers. Please accept my sincerest condolences on this sad occasion.
Jewel was one in a million and I send my deepest sympathies to Don and Jewel’s family. Loved working with Jewel at Scotiabank VPO and she brought sunshine and delicious baking to brighten all our days at work. The sweetest most helpful person and she will be missed. So sad
Don, so sorry to here that Jewel passed away, our thoughts are with you.
Doug & Paulette
I am so very sorry, Don. She told the best stories. I will miss her.
Don, Darren and family. I just learned today of Jewel’s passing to which I was quite shocked. I will always remember how kind she and Don were to me when I arrived in Ottawa many years ago. Please accept my sincere condolences and may the many memories you have help carry you all through this difficult time and beyond.
Marilyn Roberts
Tatamagouche Nova Scotia