Jermaine (Helen) Furness

September 20, 2023

In loving memory ~

It is with great sadness that we announce Jermaine's passing on September 20, 2023, after a battle with cancer.

She was the only daughter of Jack and Helen Furness. Jermaine was always a B.C. girl, and although she spent time on Vancouver Island and in Prince George, she always returned to her roots in Prince Rupert.

Jermaine spent some of her high school years at Queen Margaret's School in Duncan. She also lived on Vancouver Island for several years, but after living the hippy life there, returned to Prince Rupert. She spent some time in Prince George but again returned to her roots in Prince Rupert.

Jermaine found joy with her partner of many years, Jack Meltsner, her son Erik Vandenberg, her granddaughter Ava Lama-Vandenberg, and several cousins. She will be missed by many good friends, Tracey, Mary, Lorna, Shelley, and Sue, to name but a few.

For most of her career, Jermaine worked in healthcare, culminating in her work as a social worker in mental health. She owned a local deli and restaurant, where she honed her soup-making skills, which were much appreciated by family and friends.

Jermaine taught and played the piano and took great pleasure in classical music and opera. She also loved travelling, and went on many travel adventures, to Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and Italy, amongst others. She was a great cook and was very generous in sharing anything she made.

Jermaine volunteered for many organizations and groups in Prince Rupert. Most recently, Jermaine was a volunteer for the Prince Rupert and District Hospice Society, serving on the board for several terms. She volunteered her time for many of the fundraisers, made and sold almond roca as a fundraiser, worked on grant proposals, and the renovation of the palliative rooms at PRRH.

She would appreciate donations in her name to the Hospice Society by e-transfer at princeruperthospice@gmail.com or at Prince Rupert Hospice Society, c/o Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, 1305 Summit Ave., Prince Rupert, V8J 2A6.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Legion on October 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.