It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jennifer Jill Haney (Wood) on June 23, 2025, at the age of 85, after living courageously with ovarian cancer for over two years. She was surrounded by love- her son Jason, sister Susan, nephew Michael, and husband Rod by her side.
We are heartbroken to say goodbye to this vibrant citizen of the world—full of life, kindness, joy, and boundless energy. Jennifer was thoughtful, generous, and deeply inspiring. As she often said, “I love my life”—and she lived it to the fullest.
She is survived by her husband Rod, son Jason, and devoted sister Susan Warren; brothers-in-law David Haney and Peter Warren; niece Jessica Foxcroft; and nephews Michael Warren, Matthew Haney, and Tobin Haney.
Jennifer was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1939 to her father, Dr. George Wood, and her mother, Dorothy Barwell Bonner. Though she came into the world abroad, she was raised in Magog, Quebec, a place she adored and where many of her lifelong friendships were formed.
An adventurer at heart, she once journeyed by bus from London to Calcutta on her own, and on another occasion drove with a friend through Europe and the Middle East—bold travels that reflected her fearless spirit and love of other cultures. After graduating from McGill, Jennifer went on to live a remarkable life as a public health advocate and nurse, with work that spanned continents- from Montreal to India, Sierra Leone, Nepal, St. Lucia, Bangladesh, Vietnam and beyond. While living in Tanzania, she volunteered with Jane Goodall and her renowned work with chimpanzees. Her professional efforts with organizations such as CUSO and Crossroads Africa were fulfilling, and it was through this work she met her husband, Rod.
Together, they raised their son Jason and shared a life shaped by travel and a deep appreciation for the world. Back in Canada, Jennifer explored creative writing, winning a short story award, before turning to her lifelong passion for art, graduating from the Ottawa School of Art in 2016. She continued to travel and create- later journeying to China, Tibet, the Caribbean, and her final adventure: a cross-country train trip through Canada, the country she loved so very much.
In her final days, Jennifer expressed peace and gratitude- for a full life, her many adventures, and the love of friends and family.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Gynecologic Oncology team and nurses at Ottawa General Hospital for their outstanding care.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada or the Ottawa School of Art. A Celebration of Life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, on August 17, 2025 at 1:00p.m., with a reception to follow.
The light in our world has gone out.
Celebration of life livestream link https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/113712
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Jack And Marilyn Adams
Rod and Jason, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We spent many pleasant hours together with Rod and Jenny, in Tanzania, Ottawa, Jamaica, Sechelt. Jen had such a zest for life and seized the moment at every opportunity. We'll miss her.
Will miss you dear friend. Rest in Peace