Obituary of Mrs. Jacqueline Tannis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Jacqueline, on January 3^rd, 2024. She was surrounded by her loved ones as she transitioned peacefully.

She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many cousins. Jackie will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.

Born in Plymouth, Tobago on September 28^th, 1947 to Edgar and Eileen Joseph, she was a rambunctious and ambitious child with big dreams of success.

At the age of 20 Jackie moved to England to attend Nurse Training School. Once she completed her formal training and obtained her first job in her new profession. She then continued her life's journey to Toronto Canada, where she would continue to grow achieving higher and higher goals, by continuing to further her education throughout her life.

Jackie took pride in her work and brought integrity to everything she did – always ensuring the quality of care and safety of patients was her top priority. She spent many years working at various hospitals around the GTA, was well-known in her field and extremely dedicated to her profession.  With a passion for encouraging others to be their best, Jackie took immense pride in supporting and teaching the next generation at Centennial College. She would always say “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”  Teaching was her ultimate passion. As a teacher, she took great pride in developing people into confident successful individuals while assisting them to achieve their personal best.

Jackie was a dedicated wife and partner to Max for 49 years. Above all, she valued connection and family, and all that it meant. She was not only a mother to her sons but a mother to many. She opened her arms, heart and even her home to those in need.

Jackie was an active participant within the West Indian community (where she would participate in) many Caribbean parade celebrations.  In addition, she was an avid reader, enjoyed following the pomp and pageantry of the Royals, as well as keeping abreast of politics in Canada and abroad. Jackie also told the most fantastical and entertaining stories with her unique twists and interpretations. She kept in close contact with her children, her siblings and her vast network of family and friends. If you have ever called her, we are sure you were told you at least once “I have to call you back, I’m on a long-distance”.

Jackie enjoyed some of the more simple pleasures in life – from a keen sweet tooth and love of Ice Cream (Hagen Daz Rum and Raisin and Breyers French Vanilla as well as Jamaican Black Cake, Julie Mangoes and Ice Cream Mangoes) to watching movies (To Sir with Love, The Sound of Music, The Bodyguard and The Titanic). She loved to take care of her family, loved ones, and would often make their favourite dishes with that special touch of something. She enjoyed big get-togethers (where no one was turned away or made to feel unwelcome) and travelling (whether it was on a shopping trip or to visit and stay with family).

She often found comfort in being an active member of different Church Communities and organizations.  In her later years, she was most known for being an extremely active member of St. Margaret in-the-Pine Community taking part in many ministries and on many boards as a will and vocal participant. She was always there for people in need and made sacrifices to support those less fortunate.

Jackie was a strong source of support for her family and friends, but also for anyone who experienced a hard time. She had a loving way of comforting those in need of solace, refuge, or just a listening ear.  Jackie was always there to extend a seat at her table with a warm meal and a hug for anyone who was seeking comfort.

Jackie was a beacon of fortitude and strength - always there to offer the best advice. She was compassionate, understanding, kind, outspoken and a fierce warrior who stood up for what was right. She was a natural leader with a sparkling and effervescent personality, whose spark cannot be replicated.  And although that spark is now no longer physically with us, it lives on in the many lives of those who were fortunate to know her.  She will be dearly missed by all those whom she impacted and cared for.

She lived by this bible verse: