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Jennifer Umphrey passed away at home on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at the age of 59, after a difficult battle with cancer.
Beloved wife of Gary Umphrey and loving mother of William Umphrey. Survived by her parents Harley and Margaret Rath and her brothers Craig Rath (Marilyn) and Warren Rath. Also survived by her nieces, nephews, aunts and uncle, and their families.
Jen was born in London on January 12, 1962 and grew up in the London area. She attended Westdale, Oxbow and Parkview public schools and is a Medway High School alumnus. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a B.Sc. in Human Kinetics. After Jen and Gary were married in 1987, they lived a rather nomadic life with stays in Ottawa, Guelph, London, and Hamilton, prior to settling in Guelph in 2002.
Jen’s occupational experiences, interests and aspirations were in the areas of health, safety, and human resources. Places she worked include hospitals in Ottawa (Perley, Rideau Veterans, St. Vincent) and London (St. Joseph Healthcare), Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke through Tri Fit, and several industrial plants in Guelph through Wellserve Healthcare Management.
Jen led a very active life, with a zeal for physical fitness and sports competition. In her teens she travelled extensively with her mother to compete on the quarter horse circuit with her horse Willie (Sporty Stormer). Her inclusion on the Canadian Youth Team in the 1981 Quarterama competition in Columbus, Ohio capped her equestrian career. She was a member of Medway High School’s gymnastics team and was fond of playing soccer and basketball.
In the 1980's Jen developed a passion for long distance running that remained for the rest of her life. Running almost every day was itself satisfying, but she also greatly enjoyed racing and the camaraderie within the running community. She ran several marathons, including those in Boston, Chicago, Ottawa, Pensacola, Calgary, Hamilton, Massey, Whitby, Niagara Falls and Port Huron, as well as many other races at shorter distances. Being the first female finisher, with a sub three-hour time, in the Forest City Marathon (London, Ontario) on Mother’s Day in 1992 was a running career highlight.
Beyond her running, Jen much enjoyed family gatherings and family excursions. This included several years of travelling to various games and tournaments when Will played on Guelph rep teams in baseball, basketball, and socializing with the other parents and friends of the team. Jen was a member of the Guelph chapter of the I.O.D.E., served as its flag bearer, and much enjoyed the companionship of the ladies in this service organization. She was an ardent Toronto Raptors fan, and this year got much pleasure from watching Toronto Blue Jays games.
Jen will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Rest in peace darling, you leave us too soon.
The family wishes to thank all members of the medical teams that assisted Jen throughout her illness. This includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, imaging specialists, pharmacists, caregivers and many other staff at Guelph General Hospital, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, ParaMed Home Health Care, Bayshore Home Care Solutions, and Zehr’s Wadland Pharmacy. Your compassionate and timely care has always been much appreciated. We also thank our friends for their generous support and kindness
Jen’s Celebration of Life will be held at the University of Guelph’s Arboretum Centre on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 12:30PM–3:00PM. The University of Guelph has strict COVID-19 mitigation measures in place that each person visiting the campus is required to follow. Among other things, we are required to maintain a list of people who may attend with their contact information. If you are interested in attending, just drop the family (Gary and/or Will) a note by clicking the “Send A Condolence” box in Jen’s notice on the funeral home website - www.wallcustance.com - and we will get back to you with further details.