Obituary of Jalynn H. Bennett

JALYNN H. BENNETT, C.M. Jalynn H. Bennett died suddenly after a fall at home on Friday, January 23, 2015, aged 71. Loving partner of Bill James, sister of Jennifer Rogers (John Hewgill), mother of Alexandra (Brian T. Moore), Braden (Jen Houghton), and Sam (Jennifer Bassett) Bennett. Stepmother to Paul, Bill (Franke), Anne, Mary (Rob Witham), George (Sheliagh), John (Christy) James. Aunt to Kara (Jeff Taylor), Ryan (Alison Lovell), Jeremy (Rebekah) McIntosh and David Muller (Anna Potvin). Beloved Ama and grandmother to Olivia, India, and Kai Morgan; Atlin, Reese and Marin Bennett; Mackenzie and William Sievert; David (Ada) and Bronwyn James; Emma (deceased), Andrew, and Tom Witham; Keelin, Arlyne, and Conall James; and William C. James. Great-aunt to Eli, Graydon, Esmée, Jack, Sam, Sloan, Eloise, Tucker, Luci, Ella, August, and Jemima. Jalynn was an exceptionally talented and esteemed business leader who was equally renowned for her brilliance and humility. A pioneering female executive, she was the first woman to serve as a Director of the Bank of Canada from 1989 to 1994. In 2000, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her impressive financial career, which encompassed ventures into the private, public, and voluntary sectors. Jalynn was a recipient of the Top 100 of Canada's Most Powerful Women Award, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Chair of Trent University Board of Governors, and a Doctor of Sacred Letters (Honoris Causa) from Trinity College University of Toronto. Jalynn had relentless energy, a determination to succeed, and a passionate commitment to give to others. An exceptional student, she was Head Girl of The Bishop Strachan School before she attended Wellesley College from 1962 to 1963, then received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from University of Toronto, Trinity College in 1965. During her 25-year tenure at Manulife Financial, she was promoted to Vice-President of Corporate Development in 1985 making her the most senior-ranking woman in financial services in Canada at that time. In 1989, she established her own consultancy business and her career continued to flourish. An exceptionally talented advisor, Jalynn was sought out for her sage advice and served on numerous corporate boards, including CIBC, Teck Resources, Bridgepoint Health Foundation, Cadillac Fairview, Bombardier, The SickKids Foundation, Ontario Power Generation, and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. In addition to these responsibilities, Jalynn served as a Member of the Lawrence National Centre for Policy & Management Advisory Council, Richard Ivey School of Business, and was also an External Member of the Departmental Audit Committee of the Employment & Social Development Department (ESDC) of the Government of Canada. For her exceptional work, she received numerous honours including the YWCA of Metro Toronto Women of Distinction Award in Public Affairs and Communications, and the McGill University Management Achievement Award. Whilst Jalynn's business achievements are staggering, she was a devoted partner, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and incredibly loyal and solid friend to so many. Her greatest love was her family-watching them grow up and thrive gave her tremendous pleasure and pride. She adored her pugs and holidays, particularly in Georgian Bay, Nova Scotia and California with her beloved family and friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, cooking and painting, producing many beautiful oil paintings. As a generous philanthropist, many charities benefited from her time, energy and significant gifts. The loss of Jalynn is devastating, but her family and friends are truly blessed to have had her in their lives. Poised, elegant, and gracious, she had an outstanding ability to say just the right thing at the right time and to be a friend to all. Her incredible generosity of spirit, warmth, and wit was a gift to all who knew her. A funeral will be held at ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH (227 Bloor St East) on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Arthritis Research Foundation www.beatarthritis.ca or the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society www.nslps.com.