JENNY LOWELL Obituary

JENNY LOWELL February 7, 1954 - October 5, 2023 Jenny Lowell died unexpectedly from the effects of a streptococcus infection while vacationing in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, with her loving husband Paul Pellettier and children Matthew by her side and Kira connected by phone. Jenny was born and grew up in Calgary, Alberta as the oldest of Keith and Winifred Lowell's five children. She attended Queen's University at Kingston, Ontario where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1975 before moving on to the University of Toronto's Institute for Child Study to secure an Early Childhood Education Certificate. While working in Toronto, she met her future husband, Paul. And so began a love and life with Paul and their children Kira and Matthew in her beloved Toronto Riverdale community. Early work in day cares and advocating for day care workers and services brought about her life-long dedication to serving non-profit organizations supporting young families with children. Later, Jenny took advanced courses in financial accounting which allowed her to serve various organizations with that capability. Most notable is her 40-year connection with the South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre as a parent, staff member, board member and bookkeeper. She served as the bookkeeper for the East End Children's Centre for 30 years, as well as for various other agencies. Her connection to the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC) spanned two decades from the 1990's, where she joined the staff as the Finance Coordinator for five years before retiring in 2010. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the Ralph Thornton Community Organization (RTCO) as a board member. She was a dedicated and tireless volunteer in many community initiatives, but most significantly with Riverdale Share where she took on the treasurer role for the last 12 years. Jenny was dedicated to her family, building and creating deep connections, making a welcoming home filled with good food and cheer. For the last five years, she had the joy of being the loving, hands-on and very present 'Nene' to her grandson, Avery. He loved her attentions. Jenny was a loyal and dedicated friend, maintaining long time friendships. She was a kidney donor to a friend. She was very connected to her Riverdale community and served it well for decades. Jenny supported women's rights, peace, equality, social justice and progressive politics. Jenny loved travelling the world. She spent considerable time in recent years at Florida's Palm Island Resort community. She loved her cottage at Lake Kashwakamak and enjoyed peaceful relaxation there. She pursued other interests including a life time devotion to reading, cooking, and knitting. Jenny is survived by her loving husband, Paul Pellettier, children Kira (Elliott) with grandson Avery, and Matthew (Tammy). She is also survived by her mother, Win Lowell and siblings, Pat (Keith), Jo Ann, Carol (Steve) and Fred (Meg) and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends. Jenny was predeceased by her father Keith Lowell, parents-in-law Cathy and Vince Pellettier, brother-in-law Garth Heustis and loved friend Valerie Laing. Celebrations of Life will be held in both Toronto and North Vancouver early in 2024. Messages can be sent to the family at [email protected]