JONES, Phyllis “Adrienne”

December 18, 1946 — August 29, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce Adrienne’s sudden passing at home on August 29, 2025, at 78 years of age. She succumbed to an aggressive form of cancer six months after surviving a protracted battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her strength and determination saw her through what was a daunting prognosis at the outset. Her struggle was emblematic of how she lived her life, determined but never turned inward, always focussed on others. Family and friendships were paramount in her thoughts and actions. She had amazing relationships with so many people, starting with her sister Gail, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends from school, and from every other stage of her life, right through to the dozens of care aides that were helping daily near the end. She always wanted to know about you: your interests, your family, your trials and tribulations, your ambitions. Adrienne’s greatest legacy is that she made everybody feel special!

A baby boomer born in Trail, BC, to adoring parents George and Agnes LeFort on December 18, 1946, she grew up in what was then a thriving community known for its family life, great educational opportunities, and sports facilities. She excelled academically, was popular socially, and made many friendships that she maintained throughout her life. In 1964, she entered UBC, completed a degree in education, and added many new relationships, including Hugh, her future husband. They started their married life in New Westminster in 1968, and she began her teaching career in White Rock.

Community was important to Ade, and Hugh’s work took them to Mackenzie in 1969, Youbou in 1980, Grand Cache, Alta in 1981, back to Mackenzie in 1985, and to Williams Lake in 1992. She approached each move with a sense of adventure and opportunity. Mackenzie was a special circumstance. It was an instant town comprised primarily of young families, all there without family support, leading to closer ties to friends and neighbours. The result was another group of lifelong friends. Youbou took them back to Hugh’s hometown and many new and renewed relationships. Grand Cache was close to a repeat of Mackenzie. The series of job-related moves culminated in Williams Lake, a community Adrienne quickly grew to love as well, and more enriching relationships.

In each community Adrienne gave back; besides teaching in Mackenzie she ran a program to re-introduce women to the workforce and served on the minor hockey executive, which she did in Lake Cowichan as well; in Grand Cache she opened a Diet Center and helped start minor baseball; back in Mackenzie she started a winter swim club and opened “Adrienne’s” – a women’s clothing store.  In Williams Lake, she served as a director of the Credit Union for many years.

Of all her endeavours, “Adrienne’s” was her pride and joy. Her father helped her with the renovations, and many of her friends were a part of the shop, her fashion shows, and buying trips. True to its name, it was a place where women left feeling special, the way that Adrienne made all who knew her feel.

Ade’s favourite place, thanks to George and Aggie, was Christina Lake. In the early years, it was an annual summer highlight shared with our partners, Gail and Ian, and their girls. In retirement, Christina was a focal point in the warm months and at Viewpoint in Mesa, AZ, for the cold end of the calendar.

Aside from people, but also because of them, Ade loved golf, curling, bridge, and her Blue Jays. While her husband was on and off the bandwagon on a daily basis, she remained a steadfast supporter.

Above all else, Adrienne was the most loving wife and mother. Without fail, she gave you everything she had. She’d laugh the heartiest at your stories, be the most sympathetic and understanding about your struggles, and the most encouraging of your aspirations. In her company, you felt anything was possible and that you were fully supported through it all. Because of her, our home was full of love, security, and laughter. Her smile is forever in our memories.

Adrienne will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Hugh; her son, Craig (Kristal); her daughter, Yvonne (Mark); and her grandchildren, Paul, Tae, Cole, and Jake.

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