It is with deep heartache and bittersweet relief to share with you that Jennifer Diane Ferro has transitioned into the next chapter of her existence. At around 1:00am on Thursday, June 27th, 2019, Jennifer was reunited with her beloved son Dean, surrounded by people who loved her beyond measure. Forever young at the age of 54 years and true to herself, she was strong, brilliant and calm from her last words to her last breath.
Jennifer was born on September 26th, 1964 in Ottawa, Ontario. Wife to Andrea, mother to Carmela (Jake) and Dean (deceased), fur babies Charlie, Douglas, Edward, Evelyn and Darryl. Daughter of Irene Landry Sanderson (Matthew) and John Barbour (deceased). Lovingly raised by Grandparents Isabel and Romeo Landry (deceased). Sister to Erin Brost (Mitch), Janet McArthur (deceased) and Pamela Vivian. Aunt to sweet baby Fia Brost. She will be deeply missed by many, many countless extended family members, friends and colleagues who all loved her dearly.
She was a warrior. In spite of all of the incredible challenges dealt to her, Jennifer always looked at life through rose-coloured glasses. She was an inspiration to all. In 2010, she triumphed through the grief of losing her son. In 2015, she was diagnosed with an incurable cancer and immediately faced it boldly with acceptance, an open-mind and steadfast perseverance. Her cancer was constantly defeated with her love, her unbelievable positivity, her sense of humour and advancements in medical research.
The quality of her character was rare indeed. Her selflessness, generosity, kindness and authenticity was felt by everyone. She was a natural born mother to all - to family, friends and to students from Japan and other parts of the world. She was an incredible resource - always providing information, guidance, advice and support. She loved to travel and learn - she was fearless when it came to traveling the world and mastering a new skill.
She saw the good in everyone - she was always optimistic, lifted people up and cheered them on. She embodied everything that is good in humanity - love, joy, understanding, compassion, vulnerability and forgiveness. Anyone who knew Jennifer is a better person simply for knowing her and will be forever changed by her love, her life and her absence. She made the most out of every moment by living life, loving people and as she said in one of her last moments, she was always, “just so full of love sharing.”
We love you.
I love you.
I love you more.
Visitation will take place Thursday, July 4th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, a service will take place Friday, July 5th at 1pm with a reception to follow at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Homes, 1099 Gordon St. Guelph, ON
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made directly to Hospice Wellington (www.hospicewellington.org), The Coping Centre (https://www.copingcentre.com) or The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation: Sarcoma Research Fund (https://thepmcf.ca/)