Jacquelyn Rae Waller-Vintar, age 63, passed away peacefully at Toronto General Hospital on April 15, 2023.

Jackie was born in Toronto, May 31st, 1959, daughter of Margaret Waller of Stratford and the late L. Ray Waller (2014). Beloved mother of Tessa, Graydon and Luka. Adored Nana to grandsons Aleks, Mika and Samy. Dear big sister to Heidi Holdsworth, Edward Waller (Sandra), and Juli Waller. Awesome Aunt Jackie to nieces and nephews Jay, Paige, Madeleine, Nicolas, Kevan, and Ashley.

Jackie had a true calling as a writer and editor since high school as editor of Ramblin’ On at Stratford Central Secondary School when she rallied the troops during late night publishing sessions in her father’s law office. From producing for CBC Radio and editing for the Oxford English Dictionary in England in the 1980s, to being Homes Editor at Toronto Life Magazine and Editor in Chief of Where Toronto Magazine until 2007. Jackie’s career took a turn and combined with another one of her passions when she became a writer and editor at camh - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. As a lifelong advocate for mental health supports she found a niche where her talents truly excelled and she ended her career as Communications Coordinator of the Family Resource Centre at camh.

Her creativity was boundless and her attention to detail in all she did was tireless - rock tumbling, stained glass, silk painting, weaving, jewellery making as well as professional-level baking not to mention creating endless batches of fudge! One of her many legacies she will leave behind is the necessity to always be making something.

Jackie was a rock to family members and friends. She was diplomatic, fair, non-judgemental and could always be counted on to see both sides of a situation and give insightful advice. She was generous with her time - whether it was taking her amazing cookies to Sick Kids every Christmas or having coffee with a colleague in need of a shoulder. To everyone who knew her Jackie was compassionate, dedicated, protective and fiercely loyal. To her siblings she was a trailblazer who knew no limits, and was devoted, intuitive, inquisitive and quick to laugh. To her children she was all this and so much more. She encouraged their creativity in countless ways, always wanting to make every moment special for them from sprinkling reindeer dust on the snow to baking and ferrying them to dance classes, doing everything in her power to never say “no” when “yes” was possible.

Jackie was one-of-a-kind and we will miss her every day.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto (just east of Jane St.) on Wednesday May 31, 2023 from 2-4 p.m.

Donations may be made in Jackie’s name at give.camh.ca