Mary Jennifer Callaghan

Nov 29, 1960 - Sep 14, 2025

The death occurred on September 14, 2025, of Mary Jennifer Callaghan, aged 64, at the Ottawa General Hospital.

Born in Toronto on November 29, 1960, Jennifer grew up in Alberton, Prince Edward Island, where she lived with her parents, the late Wilfred and Betty Callaghan (nee MacDonald), and her only sibling, the late Carolyn Chaisson (nee Callaghan). She graduated from Alberton High School, winning the Governor General’s Gold Medal for her class. She studied history at UPEI, graduating with first class standing in 1982.

Jennifer spent most of her working life at Statistics Canada in Ottawa and made her home in Orleans. She was an avid traveller—in fact, it is safe to say that Jennifer lived to travel! During the summers, she came back to PEI to spend time with her family and friends.

Jennifer was blessed with a brilliant mind, a sharp wit, a fierce sense of loyalty, determination, and an inner strength that saw her through difficulties that she encountered throughout her all too short life. She loved theatre, art, music (especially East Coast music), reading, walking on the shores of her Island home, chocolate, and coffee. She treasured her Irish heritage, jokingly saying that she had the temper and stubborn streak that goes with it.

Jennifer is survived by her late sister’s children Dylan, Lucas, and Katie Chaisson; their father Roy; and his partner Darlene Perry, as well as cousins on PEI and in Nova Scotia. She is also survived by her friends who loved her dearly and treasured her friendship.

At Jennifer’s request, there will not be a visitation or service. Cremation has taken place.

A sincere thank you is extended to everyone—Jennifer’s medical team and especially her friends—who cared for and supported her during the past year as she dealt with failing health. Donations may be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.

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One Comment

Henri Van Den Bremt September 26, 2025 at 4:18 pm - Reply

I had known Jennifer since the early 1980s. We were introduced by our mutual friend Boyde. When Boyde and I had our apartment on Water street, she came many times for our parties there. As we grew older and moved to Ottawa, Jennifer became a neighbor in the neighborhood and shared many a meal at our table in Orleans. We will miss her good humor and travel stories. We want to convey condolences to her family and friends and wish them peace in the thought that her suffering has ended now.

All Memories

Henri Van Den Bremt

I had known Jennifer since the early 1980s. We were introduced by our mutual friend Boyde. When Boyde and I had our apartment on Water street, she came many times for our parties there. As we grew older and moved to Ottawa, Jennifer became a neighbor in the neighborhood and shared many a meal at our table in Orleans. We will miss her good humor and travel stories. We want to convey condolences to her family and friends and wish them peace in the thought that her suffering has ended now.

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