

Jennie leaves behind her husband and lifelong partner, Harvey Veillette. She was a cherished mother of four: Jackie (Mike), Jocelyne (Robin), Glen (predeceased, 1992), and John (predeceased, 2023) (Wanda). She was a devoted grandmother to Bradley (Hannah), Meghan (Jesse), Domanick, Calleigh and Savanaugh, and a proud great-grandmother to Jayden and Brooklyn.
She will also be missed deeply by her sisters Elizabeth Jackman and Margaret (Ralph) MacDonald, her brothers John (Mary) and Fred (Shirley) Kavanagh, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jennie was predeceased by her sister Alice Dalton, her brothers Peter, Martin and Ed Kavanagh, and her parents John and Margaret Kavanagh.
Born and raised in Bell Island, Newfoundland, Jennie left home at just 16 years old to forge her own path. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Harvey, in Quebec. Jennie taught him English, and together they set the foundation for their lifelong partnership. They eventually settled in Ontario, where they built a family of their own. Jennie worked at Kmart for 10 years, and later at Tiger Brand, before owning and operating their own variety store. Known for her strong work ethic, Jennie was a woman who could do it all – and often did.
Above all else, Jennie was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. She found joy in cheering on her grandchildren at their hockey games, going on family camping trips, travelling (especially to Disney) and playing board games around the table. She loved crocheting, word searches, visiting the casino to try her luck, and indulging in her favorite snacks (crunchy Cheetos and Peeps).
Jennie will be remembered for her strength, her independence, and the love that she poured into her family. Her love was fierce, her heart full, and her spirit unforgettable. Her presence was a gift; her absence will be deeply felt by all who were lucky enough to know her.
All who loved her are invited to join the family in celebrating her life. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22nd from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Barthel Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Road. A funeral service will take place on Friday, May 23rd at 10:00 am at St. Clements Church, 745 Duke Street. Burial to follow at Parklawn Cemetery, 750 Fountain Street North.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jennie’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.
DONATIONS
Canadian Cancer Society55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M4V 2Y7
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0