I am Jennifer's niece, however I never had the privilege of getting to know her. It is so lovely to read everyone's stories and learn about the beautiful connections people had with her. It seems she was a remarkable person.

I worked for Jennifer years ago, first as a volunteer, then as a paid staffer. DramaWorks was the most magical programme, with Jennifer its master sorceress. She exuded warmth and passion, with not a small hint of mischief.  I can hear her throaty laugh in my mind when I think of her. I found out about Jennifer's passing this morning, dropping my daughter off at DramaWorks summer camp. While deeply stunned by this news, I am also glad that DramaWorks will continue, and that Jennifer's legacy lives on. She was a force of nature, and a wonderful mentor.

I met Jennifer at Klee Wyck in 2001. I worked at Solart Glass Studio next door to the old house where she taught her Drama Works and was fortunate to see her on a regular basis for many years. I loved chatting with her and really enjoyed her enthusiam and her positive outlook on life. She was such a vibrant woman, always dressed so beautifully and always had a sparkle in her eye. I got to watch the children come and go every day as they made their way up to the house to see Jennifer. They all loved her and enjoyed her classes so much. She was such a treasure in the community. A bright light has gone out in our world.

I am at school and one of my long time note books has in its cover sleeve a letter from Jennifer to me when I was the drama teacher at Rockridge Secondary School. She use to bring her local student classes up from DramaWorks to perform on our small but adequate drama room stage. She would arrive early and the two of us would set up the pools of light and devise some lighting and sound cues. I met Jennifer early in my career as a drama teacher and while I loved the job I did not arrive with degrees in theatre or tons of paper credentials. No one does it alone and Jennifer, with a gleam in her eye helped and tutored me early one. She shared her book of games and let me sit in on many of her night classes. Many of her students became my students and vic versa, so I was always up to date on her productions. As I look at the letter in my binder, Jennifer has hand written: "It seems a dogs age since we had a chat. Have to see you for a catch up" And as life to often does, the time slipped away. like smoke through a key hole. One of Ms. Hogan's kids noticed my binder and the letter just yesterday and told me about Jennifer's passing. I was struck silent while the many memories of her and her many kindnesses to me played in my mind. The boy told me that Ms. Hogan had honoured her in her class and had told the students of her passing. I am deeply saddened and will miss this remarkable woman. I walked a bit taller into my drama classes because of her help.
Much thanks and god bless.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Jason, and to all the Webber family.  Thank you for being such a devoted son, friend and support for your mother, our dear friend, Jennifer Riach.

It seems a long journey for a girl who loved being part of a theatre group in Suffolk, England, that toured church halls and theatres across the county, then starring in theatre, radio and television across Canada, to teaching drama in Vancouver more than 50 years later.  But, life is about people, and Jennifer was a gifted collector of friends, young and old, with the generosity and energy to talk and listen to each one of her wide circle of friends all her life.

Farewell, Dear Heart!  We shall not see your like again.

John and Magda Moyes and family
St. John's, Newfoundland

Our first meeting with Jennifer was over coffee on Lonsdale Quay in 2001.  On our subsequent and frequent visits to Vancouver we would meet for lunch, laughter and chatter (usually at the Cardero). 
 When we got together with her in December 2011, we both felt she had never looked better.  It was indeed a shock to learn of her diagnosis shortly after that!  
Sadly, she was just not up to getting together on our last visit, but we did have a little chat on the phone.
She will be missed.  I loved her sense of humour, her dramatic delivery of the simplest story, and her interest in everything that was going on around her.  She was a glam, vivacious gal with a great sense of style who cared deeply for family and friends.  
Heaven is certainly a livelier place since Jen entered the Gates!!!
Gareth, Jason and family, BIll - you are in our hearts.

Gwen and David Alcock

I first met Jen in early 1969, (soon after Donald I had moved from England to St. John's) when I joined the St. John's Players and was in 'The Lion in Winter' with her. The St. John's Players soon became 'our family' in Newfoundland and Jen became a good friend. 

 After she moved to BC we did not see each other again, but John and Magda kept us up to date with what she was doing after every visit to Vancouver. I followed her career vicariously through them, and I believe she was still teaching until not too long ago. I very much admired what she was doing - work that I know she loved and which must have given her great pride and satisfaction. Through that work she has left a great legacy to theatre. 

I remember Jen as a strong personality and I am only sorry that we lived so far apart as she was an inspiring vibrant human being and a good friend.
Lisa Hurd, St. John's

To Gareth , Jason and family
It seems remote to do this online from New Zealand...
I returned from the memorial service for my mum last Friday.  Dad (Bill) is reeling from from the death of both his sisters and his wife (my mum) Terrible start to 2013....
I met Jennifer in 1983 in Vancouver and we had the best of times. I was thrilled to meet this attractive vibrant woman who my dad had spoken much about.  She was a truly beautiful person in every way.
I named my first born daughter (1994)after Jennifer!
I feel for you all,as I reflect on the passing of my mother.

take care

Gareth and family,
So very sorry to hear about Jennifer. Although I didn't know her well, from the first time I met her, she made me feel as though we were life-long friends. She was a lovely gracious lady with a wonderful sense of humour, and she will be sorely missed. May all your good memories help you get through this difficult time.

Love, Georgie

To Gareth, Jason and families.
My deepest sorrow on the loss of your dear Jennifer. 
She was a beautiful person.
My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
Jane Piercey ( Lisa's sister)

I'm so sad that I won't see lovely Jennifer again, or chat to her on the telephone.  She was an intelligent, witty, glamourous woman with whom I shared many good times.  We had grand times when she visited us here in Newfoundland and we had equally great times when we saw her in Vancouver.  Always with a good tale to tell, she practised the three E's, as she said - "embellish, entertain and  enhance".  I loved her sense of humour.  Jen, I will miss you and you never know, I might see you anon.  Rest in peace, lovely lady.  Lisa Piercey

I have fond memories of watching Wimbledon with Jen in the early hours. Being a fellow Brit, I served traditional English fare, complete with scones,strawberries and cream. We always had so much fun and it became a tradition with us for many years.

Jen was a wonderful person with a terrific sense of humour, she was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

My heartfelt condolences to Jason and the family.

Fran Brattli

OBITUARY

Jennifer Mary Riach

October 6, 1932 – January 25, 2013

First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

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