VENOUR, Jean(nee Eugenia Walda Bender)July 14, 1927 – Boreschow, PolandOctober 4, 2017 – Calgary, AlbertaJean beloved wife of Eric Ralph of Calgary, AB, passed away on October 4, 2017 at the age of 90 years. Jean was born on July 14, 1927 into a tight-knit German community just west of Warsaw, the youngest of four siblings; Elsie, Lillian and Benjamin. At the age of two, immigrating to Canada with her family, she spent much of the ocean voyage kicking every closed stateroom door, shouting "open the door!". On October 4, 2017 she died as she had lived: overflowing with love for her family, gracious to those who ministered to her, and never giving up. She was 90. Jean grew up in Edmonton, where her family ran a popular German grocery and deli on 96th Street selling her father's handmade sausage. She loved to roller-skate around the streets at breakneck speed, and she loved the movies. She learned generosity and hospitality as her family welcomed many relatives, near and distant, from the old country and helped them get a start in Canada. In 1956, Jean married the love of her life, Ralph Venour, and together they made homes in Brandon, Regina and Edmonton before settling in Calgary in 1972. Ralph and their four children were the focus of Jean's vast energy and untiring support. She spent countless hours shuttling children to lessons, staying up nights typing university papers and nourishing with beautiful meals. Jean was loving and generous, but also passionate and determined. She was fearless. She not only rushed in where angels fear to tread, most times she did it twice, in case you missed it the first time. She loved fully and fiercely with an open heart and an unselfconscious kindness that was rooted in her Christian faith. Like the Lake Louise poppies she loved, Jean was generous, bold, and elegant. Jean leaves behind her loving husband of 61 years, Ralph; their four children, David (Lisa Hynes), Lisa (Tom Buck), Katharine (Michael Davenport) and Christopher and seven grandchildren; Emily, Kathleen, John, Eric, Matthew, Madeleine and William. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Ella Bender, her siblings and an infant son. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 – 8th Street S.W.) on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Jean Venour, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.