Jill slipped away peacefully on September 23. She leaves behind her devoted husband David Ashby, children Elizabeth and Donovan, sisters Jean Hicks (Don) and Betty Perra (Bob), brothers Colin and James (Cheryl) and beloved nieces and nephews Suzanne, Hal, Chloe, Kelsey, Sara, Rusty, Tania, Dustin, Alicia and Thomas.
Jill grew up in a close-knit family in Dawson Creek, BC, and enjoyed a childhood of crisp cold winters and long summer days in the Peace River Country.
She obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (’74) and an LL.B (’78) from the University of British Columbia. Jill married David in 1979, and they settled in Vancouver after several years on Vancouver Island.
As a lawyer, Jill worked as a policy analyst, prosecutor, sole practitioner, and public policy consultant. Later she worked as a Residential Tenancy Arbitrator, served as a member of the B.C. Review Board, and was appointed as an Adjudicator with the Indian Residential Schools Secretariat. Her common sense, warm manner, and compassion made her a supremely capable adjudicator.
Jill was a caring friend and a wonderful listener. She was the rock of stability for her family and a source of wisdom for her friends. She wrote cherished letters and emails, loved the warmth of the fireplace, and enjoyed conversations that meandered late into the evening. She laughed easily and often, and brightened the lives of those around her. Though she had a perceptive mind and a quick wit, she will be remembered for her dedication to her friends and her love for her family.
The family thanks the physicians at VGH and nurses in palliative care, and the Callanish Society for their compassion and support.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 7th at 2:00 pm, at the West Point Grey United Church, 8th and Tolmie, Vancouver, followed by a reception. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Callanish Society, 2277 W10th, Vancouver, V6K, 2J1 or to a charity of your choice.