TIVY o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-10-13 published
HARRIS,
Eugenia
Jennifer (née
BARTMAN)
(June 8, 1921-October 10, 2007)
Jennifer HARRIS was a petite dynamo with a heart of gold. She
had wide turquoise eyes and wore a winning smile under a crown
of brilliant red hair. Never meek, she was a strong business
woman, loving wife and devoted family matriarch. Born in 1921 to
Sam and Anna
BARTMAN,
Ukrainian immigrants, Jenny grew up during
the Great Depression with her 10 siblings on a farm outside Vegreville,
Alberta. Under these conditions, she developed an independent
character, a strong work ethic, a wealth of common sense and
a belief in the importance of family. She maintained a youthful
appearance and indomitable spirit throughout her life, advocating
a healthy lifestyle and the power of positive thinking. After
attending business school, Jenny met and married Perry
HARRIS
in Vancouver in 1946. They moved to Etobicoke in 1959 with their
sons, Robert (Bob) and Al. In 1980, Perry and Jennifer bought
Select Brushes, where they worked together, alongside their son
Al. Following Perry's death in 1994, Jennifer continued to go
to work every day until her early 80's. Upon recently learning
that she had pancreatic cancer, Jenny declared that she had been
blessed with a long, wonderful life. She was determined to have
one last Thanksgiving dinner with her family and Friends, and
having given thanks, she died peacefully at home two days later
on October 10, 2007. By her side were her loving children Bob
and Al, their wives Mary and Heather, and her beloved grandchildren
Erin and Mark
HARRIS and Alastair
TIVY-
HARRIS.
She was the best
Mother, Mother-in-law and Nana one could have, embracing these
roles with characteristic energy and love. She also leaves to
miss her, her brother-in-law Peter
HARRIS, his wife
Vivian, and
their children Carolyn and Douglas, and her sisters Emily, Rose,
Nancy, Olive and their families. She was predeceased by her siblings
Minnie, Mary, Sophie, Walter, Michael and Eugene. The family
wishes to thank Vivian
HARRIS and Jenny's close Friends who lovingly
cared for her during her illness: Diane and Peter
WAKEFIELD,
Patience and Mac
ROURKE, and, especially Betty
MILNE.
Heartfelt
thanks as well to Doctor Vincent
MAIDA for exceptional palliative
care and support for Jenny's wish to take this journey with minimal
medical intervention and to die with peace and dignity in her
own home. Private burial has taken place. A memorial service
to honour and celebrate Jenny's life will be held at 12 noon
on Sunday, October 21 at Ward Funeral Chapel, 109 Reynolds Street,
Oakville. If desired, contributions in memory of Jenny's life
may be made to The Ride to Conquer Cancer: www.conquercancer.ca.,
Robert HARRIS, participant. Jennifer believed strongly in taking
responsibility for one's life choices. An avid bridge player,
she lived by the motto 'In the game of life, play the best hand
you can, with the cards you've been dealt.' She remains an inspiration
to us all.
T... Names TI... Names TIV... Names Welcome Home
TIVY - All Categories in OGSPI