Perhaps, had you been sitting quietly on the evening of August 30, you might have heard the distinct click of cross-country skis locking on to boots, a quiet voice saying “Come on Jenny, it’s a perfect night,” the quiet closing of a door and the whispered opening of another. You might even have felt a cool breeze, a brush of fresh snow, and imagined the moon rising to the stars over snowy hills.

What you may have heard was the sound of Jennifer Beal (nee Hall-Patch) and her beloved husband Colin (1926 - 2016) together again and setting off for a celebratory ski in their new Heavenly Home. Hearts full, eyes sparkling, love in the air.

Jenny and Colin left post-war England in 1951 with little more than a few suitcases, their first child, and enough hope and aspiration to fill their dreams but not their tummies. The first years of their new life were not always easy, but their love and faith provided the building blocks that created a secure future, an example to their children, and a clear demonstration of the important things in life.

Seventy-six years, eight children, 19 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren later they had created a world beyond their own dreams. They shared their love of family, Canada, nature, faith, and each other with legions of extended family and friends and together we rejoice that they are together again, making Heaven their home.

Jenny’s determination and love extended beyond her family to the many students she taught, encouraged, mentored, and comforted during her 32 years as a teacher, vice-principal, and the first female High School principal in Durham County, and in the Ontario Public School system. Her colleagues became dear friends, and those dear friends became part of the fabric of our family.

Jenny is remembered for her bright smile and sparkling blue eyes, her wit and intelligence, her perspective, her respect, her support, and for the love she shared with all creatures great and small (with the possible, and understandable, exception of mosquitoes).

We join in celebrating her life, knowing that the seeds of love, adventure, and understanding that she cast grow within us.

Jenny wished only the best for her family and friends and, true to form, she chose to tell us herself: “I love you, and may God Bless.”

A Celebration of Life, will be held on October 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Trinity Anglican Church, in Aurora Ontario, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, Jenny has requested donations be made to Trinity Anglican Church (www.trinityaurora.ca/ donatesending), Aurora or to the Steven Lewis Foundation, in Jenny’s memory.