Jennifer Marie Abey

After receiving the last rites of the Catholic Church, on March 3, 2026, Jennifer passed away peacefully into eternity.. We know that she is now reunited with her loving mother Maureen who predeceased her in 2010. When she passed, Jennifer was surrounded by her beloved husband Gary, her sister Liza (Ivor), brothers Michael (Laurie) and David (Dina), nephews and nieces Katy (Kevin), Bo, Mark and Christina. She is also survived by her father Henry, niece Michaela and grand nephews and nieces Layla, Halle, Austin, Tyson, Zachery, Jacob and Alice.

Jennifer was born in Kandy, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), April 10, 1960, the youngest of four children of Maureen and Henry. When she was just an infant of three weeks, the family moved to Sandakan, Sabah in Malaysia, on May 22nd 1960. There her father, a land surveyor, was contracted by the British Government to complete a survey to build a road through the jungles of Sabah (previously British North Borneo) with a native (ibans) crew who had formerly been headhunters. Jennifer loved to recall memories of her early childhood in Sandakan with her siblings, Liza, Michael and David.

When Jennifer was eight years old, the family immigrated to Canada arriving in Vancouver on May 22nd, 1968. She and her siblings attended St. Augustine's School and then St. Patricks Elementary and Regional Secondary School in Vancouver. There she excelled academically and was a badminton champion and head cheerleader, cheering on the school's basketball team.

After high school, Jennifer completed a legal secretary program at a business school in New Westminster. Upon graduating, Jennifer sent her resume to 20 law firms, one of which was the firm of Sutton Braidwood. She received a telephone call from the managing partner of that law firm inviting her for an interview. Jennifer went for the interview with the managing partner and accepted an offer of employment as a legal secretary. That managing partner was her husband to be, Gary Wilson. Gary left Sutton Braidwood 5 years later for another law firm and their paths diverged. Jennifer had a very successful career in law as a legal secretary at Sutton Braidwood and several other law firms in Vancouver. She was the adminisrator of the law firm of Walsh & Company when she retired after the firm closed.

In 2010 Jennifer's and Gary's paths crossed again when their eyes met across the dance floor at the Commodore. Three years later, Gary made Jennifer another offer that she couldn't refuse - a proposal of marriage. They were married October 10, 2020. The last 15 years of Jennifer's life were her most joyous. She had found her soul mate, her "everything" as she would whisper in Gary's ear as they laid their heads on their pillows. Jennifer and Gary enjoyed their regular summer camping trips, excursions to Montana, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, New Zealand and travels to Europe. A highlight of many a day for Jennifer and Gary revolved around a meeting at the "bench" at the foot of Haro Street in Vancouver. This is where close and enriching friendships developed with many from the surrounding West End community. Her quick wit, caring concern and beautiful smile were very engaging and will be missed by many.

Jennifer loved watching hockey and was an avid fan of the Canucks. She and her sister Liza would text message each other before the start of each televised game, "Are you ready for this?", and continue a text messaged commentary on the game as they watched on their respective TV's, Liza in Chilliwack and Jennifer in Vancouver.

Her family meant so very much to Jennifer who, along with her siblings, could be found at her mom and dad's on Sundays for lunch. Sunday meant Ceylon food which Jennifer, like the rest of her family, thoroughly enjoyed. Some of her favourite dishes were mom's and dad's chicken curry, prawn curry, eggplant curry and various sambals and maluns. Mom accomodated Jennifer's fondness for sticky rice. Everyone always turned up for dad's Christmas turkey and sides, mom's Christmas cake and love cake.

Whenever asked whether she had any children, Jennifer would always answer, "I'm not a mother; I'm an aunt". She so adored her nephews and nieces and Aunty Jen was very special to them. Being a part of their lives as they grew up was so meaningful for Jennifer. Their every activity, every accomplishment, every milestone in their lives brought her great joy. She especially loved to receive photos of her grand nephews and nieces.

Jennifer was a friend to many and a blessing to all who knew her. She was fiercely loyal, generous, smart, courageous, brave and so beautiful.... in every way!

The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 19, at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 2777 Townline Road, Abbotsford, to be followed by a graveside service at 1:30 pm at Musselwhite Cemetery in Abbotsford.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 3:00 p.m. at the Waterfront Hotel, 900 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C., in the Princess Louisa Room, on the second floor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 2777 Townline Road, Abbotsford, B.C.