Jillian Jean Hyndman

Jillian Jean Hyndman - Age 78 of Vancouver, B.C. passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Jillian was born in New Zealand on December 22, 1944. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jillian Hyndman on April 5, 2023. She was a wonderful woman, teacher/educator, wife, mother, Nan and soul mate.

She was educated at St. Catherine’s Girls School, Warwick, Queensland, Australia; Teacher’s College, Auckland, New Zealand; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. She is survived by her husband John, son Michael (Danielle) and granddaughter Sophia.

She and her partner for life met one beautiful sub-tropical evening at the ship’s rail of the P&O vessel “SS Arcadia” about to set sail from Auckland, New Zealand for North America and beyond. In the beginning they did not have the same destination in mind, but after 6 weeks of life on board ship they decided that Vancouver would be their choice location to disembark, not as individuals, but together!

They married in San Anselmo, California, July 12th, 1969, and thus began one of many trans continental trips by road, and a desire to see as much of the world as possible, together. During 54 years of marriage they travelled to the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and North America from where they resided in Vancouver, B.C and raised their family.

Jill was a dedicated and beloved teacher who sought innovation in her classrooms in New Zealand, Ontario, British Columbia and Australia. Her garden was where she found solace and peace of mind. It was therapeutic for her as it allowed her to feel the earth in her hands as she worked in unison with nature. A voracious reader, she possessed the sense to explore and understand the spiritual, yoga, religion, astrology, personal health and fitness.

In retirement, as a “snowbird”, she hiked the canyons, trails and sky islands of Southern Arizona. She improved her golf game and created works of stained glass. She investigated the local Indigenous peoples and Mexican history of Pima County, AZ and the surrounding areas.

She will be sadly missed by family, her extended family and friends. They will remember her inclusive and genuinely good-natured attitude to all people she came in contact with and for the love and kindness she shared with them.

Her 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s was her most difficult journey. She remained at home under the loving care of her husband for the first 4 years following her diagnosis, then moved into the care of the wonderful and compassionate staff at St. Vincent’s, Langara for the remaining 6 years.

A private memorial and grave side interment service will take place at Mountain View cemetery. A celebration of life is planned for a future date.

In lieu of giving flowers or gifts, the family asks those who are able to please make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. – email: [email protected]

E noho ra, ma te Atua Koe e tiaki - Goodbye, may the Lord look after you.