Jennifer Jean Ashton Edwards, 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at her home in Toronto. Born on November 4th, 1933 in Peaslake, Surrey, England, she was the daughter of Eric and Marie (Chamberlain) Henderson.

Jennifer grew up in the countryside of Surrey, surrounded by horses and dogs. It was after moving to Guildford that she met her best friend and the love of her life, Mike, at the age of 15. They married in 1957 and started their family. Following a work posting in Nigeria, Mike's career in the mining industry would bring them to Canada in 1965.

Jennifer's love of children led her to volunteer in the children's ward of the local hospital and to open her home as a foster parent. She returned to college, completing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Lambton College in Sarnia. This began a rewarding career as a daycare consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Social Services, providing support to northern communities. She then held the position of Course Coordinator for the Early Childhood Education Program at Soo College in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Jennifer would return to school once more, completing her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, then opening her own wellness consulting business, Selfheale Wholistic Care.

Jennifer and Mike loved the country life, making their home on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia and in Ontario in Muskoka and Prince Edward County. She could usually be found outside reading and knitting when not gardening, and always with a dog by her side.

Jennifer is survived by her brother Bill (Aline), sister Margie, her three children; Richard (Kai), Deborah, Melanie (John) and four grandchildren; Dylan (Slate), Shea, Jack and Kai. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Mike, and sister Liz.

Jennifer's ashes will be returned to the Llanthony Valley in Wales, where she will be laid to rest.

The family would like to thank the wonderful team from the Dorothy Ley Hospice - Dr Jessica Zive and nurses Tellease Williams and Fayron Ambrose - for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dorothy Ley Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.