Tribute

July 1, 1934 – April 15, 2026

Jean Vizzutti (nee Masson), born July 1, 1934, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, passed away April 15, 2026 after facing her final weeks with the same bravery, grace, and quiet strength that defined her entire life. She was the beloved daughter of John and Bessie Masson, and the sister of Jacqueline and Mary. In 1960, Jean accepted a nursing position at the Powell River General Hospital, planning to stay for a year before travelling the world. Instead, fate intervened. She met a handsome local Italian named Edward Vizzutti, who quickly stole her heart. They married on April 29, 1961, beginning a beautiful life together. Jean and Ed built a home that became the heart of the family–filled with holiday gatherings, laughter, great meals, and celebrations that stitched generations together. They raised two children, Laurelle (Jerry) and Ted (Becky), and delighted in their grandchildren Brett (Jill), Kendra (Teagan), Sam, Lucy, and bonus grandchildren, Nick (Chayla), Alyssa (Andrew), Erich (Noelie) and Taylor (Yeohwa). Great-grandchildren Emily, Alayna, Kai, and Marlo completed the family table that brought Jean so much joy.

Jean cherished her 35-year long career as a registered nurse, dedicating much of her work to maternity care. She supported countless mothers and babies with her steady hands, calm presence, and unwavering belief that “they could do it.” Many families stopped her over the years to introduce children–now grown–whose first moments of life she had helped guide safely into the world. She was deeply proud of the nurses she work alongside and the healthcare services they provided to the community she loved.

Outside of work, Jean embraced the beauty of the West Coast. She loved boating with Ed to Desolation Sound, fishing the hulks and spending wonderful days up Powell Lake. They created bountiful gardens of delicious vegetables and colorful flowers. She treasured family vacations to visit her roots in northern Manitoba and her Grandmother’s farm in Saskatchewan. Later in life, she traveled with Ed, as well as trips with her sister Jacqueline, collecting memories across the world–yet she was always happiest returning home to Powell River. In her final weeks, she often spoke of it as “the most beautiful place on earth.”

Jean met her glioblastoma diagnosis with remarkable courage. She spent her final weeks sharing stories with old friends, reflecting on her life with gratitude, and reminding her family of how blessed she felt. “I had a wonderful life–I was such a lucky person,” she said, a sentiment that perfectly captures her spirit.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Van Zyl and the compassionate ICU Nursing team at Powell River General Hospital, who supported Jean with dignity and kindness. In honor of Jean’s lifelong commitment to care, community, and the next generation of nurses, the family established the School District 47 Jean Vizzutti Memorial Bursary, supporting grade 12 graduates pursuing post-secondary BSN Nursing and Registered Nursing programs.

A celebration of life will be held June 20, 2026. Location to be determined.

“Life is to be lived moving forward and valued when we look back on lives well lived”.