Isabel Jean Spiller (nee McCallum)

With broken hearts we regret to announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and Aunt, Isabel “Jean” Spiller passed away at the Portage District General Hospital on February 22, 2023 at the age of 81 years.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Cam, parents Andy and Peggy McCallum (nee Blake), daughter-in-law Marcia Spiller, sister and brother-in-law Grace and Gert Simpson, nephew Steve Byczynski, great niece Danielle Nelson and all of Cam’s immediate family. 

Jean is survived by her son Blake (Brenda), daughter Colleen (Barry) Vrooman, 3 much loved grandchildren, AJ Spiller (Monique), Dillon Vrooman, and Kaitlyn (Hope) Parker and great grandson Cameron Vrooman.  She is also survived by three special nieces Marlene Byczynski, Barbara (Gary) Burman, Lori (Sheldon) Morash and their families; cousins Margaret Donaldson and Donald McCallum in Scotland and sister-in-law Betty Spiller.  She was the last member of her generation of the Blake family.

Jean was born in Minnedosa on September 8, 1941 and was raised on the family farm just south of Rapid City.  After graduating high school in Rapid City, she worked for MTS in Rivers.  She married Cam in 1961 and they lived in Rivers where Blake was born.  They then moved to Saskatchewan and lived in Bredenbury where Colleen was born and then Rocanville, finally returning to Manitoba to Portage la Prairie in 1972.  Jean started working as a receptionist for Dr. Elliott and then Dr. Graham for several years and finally in 1988 started a career with the Portage Credit Union until her retirement.

Jean always loved to be involved in sports and volunteered countless hours as treasurer, scorekeeper, statistician, manager and vocal supporter for local hockey and ball organizations.  She was a member of Ruth Rebekah Lodge #3.  She was very surprised and delighted to receive the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for community service.  Jean was treasurer of the 1986 Portage Diamonds Fastball team that was inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame in 2017.  She was a member of the Portage Terriers Ladies Auxiliary.  She loved her Terriers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Jean enjoyed many trips with family over the years.  She travelled to Scotland with Colleen, Switzerland, Germany and France with Dillon and Barry, Las Vegas, Tampa, New York and many hockey and ball tournaments all over Canada and the US.

Mom was our biggest cheerleader.  She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.  If you had the pleasure of knowing our mom, you always knew exactly where you stood with her. 

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held later.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you volunteer some time with any of the worthy organizations in Portage and surrounding area.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com