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
Livre de visiteurs
Dianne Spearman
Linda Cobb
Dar Rod, Jason and family,
I am truly sorry for your lose of such an amazing wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend!
I am heartily sorry my dear 'amiga' Jennifer died. Her life was truly full of adventure. She was a light shining in this sometimes dark world! I shall always remember her joy, her laugh, her enthusiasm for and love of life, her sense of adventure and for always following her dreams. She seized life to the full and shared her adventures and beautiful smile with us all. Missing and loving you dear amiga, Jennifer, Linda Cobb xoxo
Sue Gregoriadis
I feel so privileged that I got to know first Susie and then Jennifer both of whom added so much joy to life in every way. There was the amazing connection that their Father knew my sister’s adored psychiatrist Dr. Warren when she was treated by him at the age of 15. How incredibly small and intimate the world can be when you have that coincidence across two continents.
Jenny’s incredible passion for life and her wonderful letter writing from every corner of the world were such a gift. She will be sorely missed most especially by her adored family. I and my husband Gregory (who is in his end days) send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you all. With love, Sue xxxx
John Beggs
Rod and Family- so sorry to learn of Jrnnifer's passing. My sincere condolences to you in these difficult days.
Uta and Martin Soutter
The passing of as good a friend as Jennifer is always sad but we have the consolation of having known her and having so many memories of shared adventures and time together. She was a unique personality, always ready and eager for the next adventure, highly creative in many ways including her abilities in writing and painting, in short someone we will miss profoundly but always remember.
Marilyn Willock
Dear Rod & Jason, So very sorry to hear about sweet Jenny. So hard to believe the time has come. She struggled valiantly for 2 years that I almost thought that she would heal. We had such a wonderful time at the Montreal General & McGill in school & outside. We often visited the art galleries on Sherbrooke Street to see the new exhibits & enjoy the free wine & hors d’oeuvres.
A real treat for us at the time. Although we were separated throughout our nursing careers, Jenny diligently kept in touch through post-cards, letters, phone calls & email. I will always miss her. Most sincerely from Marilyn Willock
Marilyn Willock
Dear Rod, Jason & Susie, So sorry Jenny had to leave us. We were the best of friends when we sat beside each other on the first day of nursing school at the General. After McGill we travelled all over Europe, the middle East & North Africa. It was an absolutely amazing trip that we thoroughly enjoyed giving us memories for a lifetime. Our nursing careers took us along different paths but Jenny always kept in touch with post-cards, letters from from distance lands, phone calls & email. I will miss her forever. My warmest wishes to her entire family from, Marilyn Willock
Alexander Campbell
Dear Rod and Andrew - We were so very sorry and saddened to learn of Jennifer's "walking on". We did not know her for very long - having only met her when she and you, Rod, moved in at Unitarian House. In that short while we came to know her as a kind, caring, and very present person, with a lovely smile and sense of humour, who was very concerned with her surroundings and what was happening to our Unitarian Campus. We are both so very sorry that we did not know more about this amazing woman. Undoubtedly you both have very good memories of her; focus on these, especially during his time of grieving, for of such is immortality made.
With love and peace...
Marlene and Alex
Elissa & Regaan
Jason your mother was such a bright light in our lives, her artistic eye captured one of the most beautiful movements of our life. Your mom created the most beautiful screen print for us and we will be forever thankful. Sending our love to you and your family. Xo
Sylvia Bews-Wright
So delighted to have known sweet Jennifer . I cannot imagine the depth of sorrow for Rod and Jason, both so elegant and brave and warm on this sad occasion.
Sincerest condolences