Jennifer Leigh Gorrill (nee Dawson)

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Jennifer Leigh Gorrill passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 20, 2026, after an 8-year battle with dementia. Jen was born in Victoria BC on October 6, 1963, and was comfortably in her Chemainus home, surrounded by family and friends, when she left.

Life for her began in Victoria, then in 1978 she moved to Chemainus where she graduated from Chemainus Secondary School in 1981. After high school she worked a few jobs, and took some courses at Malaspina College, then started work as a cashier at Overwaitea Foods in Duncan BC. She was there for over 15 years and made many new friends through those years.

Jennifer was married to Shane in 1986. Their first child Tyson came along in 1989, followed by Curtis in 1991. A few years after that, she left Overwaitea to raise her family and administer their business from home.

Jennifer will be lovingly remembered by her husband Shane, sons Tyson and Curtis, their wives Lauren and Marina, her three beautiful grandchildren Alice, Jacob and Lainey, mother and step-father Judy and Allan (Sharky) Shillito, as well as extended family, and many great friends. She was predeceased by her father Herb Dawson and brother Greg Dawson.

Jen had a beautiful smile that lit up any room, and will be celebrated for her loving, calm and kind spirit. If you were fortunate enough to know her, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

A celebration of life will be held at the Aggie Hall in Ladysmith on February 28th at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.