Jennifer Schott

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jennifer Ricki Schott. A life taken too soon by an aggressive cancer that she was given no chance to fight. A remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, compassion, strength, and kindness. Jennifer left this world on November 26th, 2023, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family and close friends.

Jennifer was born on February 2nd, 1972, in Kenora, Ontario, to parents Janice and Rick Edwards and big brother Peter Edwards. She loved and was proud of being born on Groundhogs Day. From an early age, it was evident that Jennifer possessed a kind and nurturing spirit.

In 1994, Jennifer married the love of her life, Douglas Schott. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, love, and the shared joys of parenthood. They supported each other in sickness and health and were each other’s rocks and best friends. She supported Doug through some of his most challenging battles and was the most devoted wife and partner. Doug would not be celebrating 12 years sober in January if it weren't for her.

Jenn’s greatest gifts and joys in her life were her daughters Skye and Starr. All she ever wanted in life was to be a mom. It’s like she was put on earth to be a mother and boy; she was the best mom to those girls. Those 3 were best friends and inseparable. It was always Skye and Starr’s needs before her own. She taught them their kindness, grit, work ethic, and to have caring demeanours. Girls their age are not supposed to lose their mom, and Jenn was most heartbroken about missing out on the girls’ lives. They will go on to do amazing things in life, and Jenn will always be with them.

Jennifer was a devoted wife and mother and a cherished friend. Jenn called herself a “friend collector” as she truly made friends with everyone around her wherever she went. She made people feel seen, asked questions, and genuinely cared about others and their lives, and she remembered details and people’s names even after meeting them just once. She always had a smile on her face and would give the shirt off her back or her last dime to anyone.

In addition to her wife, mother, and friend roles, Jennifer was a dedicated community member in Kenora. Born and raised in Kenora, she loved the city and everything it came with. She supported every fundraiser, draw, and she donated to everything she could.

Jenn was known as the lady with a million jobs. She never stopped working. Her career as an early childhood educator had her interacting with many children over the years. It was her passion, and she was amazing at it. From working at Cameron Bay to running her own home daycare to working at Keewatin Patricia District School Board, she impacted the lives of many children over her years. She made a difference in the youth of Kenora. Adding onto an already busy career, she ran the Coney Island Snack Shack for 16 years. Running the store and taking care of the grounds with her family, she spent every summer day at the beach and became the face of Coney Island. She was also well known for running the concession at the Keewatin Arena, where she loved encouraging the kids as they took the ice. She spent every waking moment serving her community in ways she loved the most.

Jennifer is predeceased by her father, Rick Edwards; her brother-in-law, Darryl Schott; her grandparents, Jim and Winnie Higgins; and Bertram and Jannie Edwards.

Jennifer is survived by her loving husband, Doug; her adoring children, Skye (Connor) and Starr; her mom, Janice Edwards; and her brother, Peter (Donna) Edwards. Mother and father-in-law Ron and Eileen Schott. Brother-in-law Ray (Michelle) Schott; Sister-in-law Debbie (Alan) Bishop; Sister-in-law Kim Humphrey. Nieces and Nephews: Trina, Kyle, Tyler (Nicole), Lindsay (Kevin), Connor (Charlotte), Evan, Siobhan (Justin), Rowan (Owen), Zoe, Lola, Taya and Avey. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family that she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jennifer Schott Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Beaver Brae Secondary School. Those wishing to mail donations to the scholarship fund can mail them to Jennifer Schott Scholarship Fund c/o Beaver Brae SS, 1400 Ninth St N, Kenora, ON P9N 2T7. Cheques should be payable to Beaver Brae SS. If you wish to send it by EMT, send it to [email protected]. Please make the password “kpdsb” and identify it in the notes area “In Memory of Jenn Schott.”

As we mourn the loss of this incredible woman, let us also celebrate her profound impact on our lives. Jennifer's legacy of love, kindness, and strength will continue to shine brightly in our hearts forever.

“Do something kind for someone every day” – Jennifer Schott

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the Beaver Brae Secondary School Gymnasium.

Interment will take place at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Schott family.