Obituary of Jennifer Marie Gardiner, New Victoria

With shattered hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Jennifer Marie Gardiner, 38, of New Victoria, on Thursday October 10, surrounded by loved ones, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

Jennifer was born in Sydney on June 28, 1981. Her parents are Shirley (Crane) Gardiner and the late David Gardiner. She followed a university career path focussing on education. Having worked at the Jennifer Keeping Center for many years and developing great bonds, she later found an opportunity at Citizenship where she loved both her co-workers and work environment. Although only there for a short time, she felt part of a strong work family. Jennifer was involved in many things but the one thing she absolutely loved in life was being a mom to Elizabeth and Christopher.

Jennifer was involved with Brownies and Girl Guides in New Waterford. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, friend and always spoke her mind. Her favourite time of the year was Christmas, being surrounded by friends and family. She enjoyed camping, always had a smile on her face and was extremely generous with her time. 

Jennifer is survived by her loving, supportive, high school sweetheart, John Michael McNeil, and her two beautiful children, Elizabeth and Christopher; her siblings, Stephanie (Kelly) , Danielle (Craig) and David (Janaia). Jennifer also leaves behind grandparents, Willie and Toni Crane. She is also survived by father and mother-in-law, John and Anne Marie (Boudreau) McNeil as well as sister-in-law, Chrystal. Jennifer will also be sadly missed by nephews, Joshua, Ashton, Elliot, and Lucas and aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Jennifer is predeceased by maternal grandmothers, Barbara LeFriese, Nanny Lena Crane, as well as paternal grandparents, Kay and Jimmy Gardiner.

The family would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude to the devoted and compassionate staff of 4D at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Dr. MacCormick and nursing staff, as well as palliative care support. Thank you for treating Jennifer with such kindness and respect while always providing excellent care. We would also like to thank the family and friends who comforted Jennifer during her last stay here.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral service will take place Monday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. in Calvin United Church, Hudson Street, with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Cremation will follow. A luncheon will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Ave., immediately following the service. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Patient Care Fund, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, 1482 George St., Sydney, NS, B1P1P3.

Jennifer believed, “I am not dying of cancer; I am living with cancer and it does not define who I am.” She lived her life to the fullest and had no regrets.