It is with very heavy hearts that the Aikins family announces the passing of their darling Jenny on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, Ontario. Jenny was a cherished, funny soul and struggled to continue being the life of the party this past year after Alzheimer’s took hold and is now resting peacefully. She’s no doubt trying to upstage her brother Paul singing Amazing Grace up in heaven.
Jenny was born and raised in Barrie to the late Joan Aikins, who died Dec. 28, 2019 and the late Dr. Joe Aikins, who died Oct. 21, 2003. Jenny is survived by 8 of her siblings: Judy & Glenn Krelove, Anne Marie, John & Cynthia (Hatt), Joe & Andrea (Ford), Tom & Jan (DiGiorgio), Patti & Eric Mesdag, Peter & Linda (Hill), and Mike & Marny (Elliott). Paul’s partner, Fred Bergman is also mourning her passing.
Alzheimer’s spared Jenny from the recent tragic loss of our sister Cathy (Oct. 1, 2018) and brother Paul (May 25, 2019), and most recently our Mom. She never really understood the overwhelming grief our family has been enduring. We’re thankful for that.
Jenny is also survived and adored by her 40 nieces and nephews & great nieces and nephews. She brought incredible joy to all of their lives and Jenny loved spending time with all of them.
Given wisdom that defied her disability, she knew how to work a room, loved to be the center of attention, especially singing and make her family and friends laugh. And she could make us howl. Jenny was also the most die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Our hearts and minds grew beyond measure because she was part of our lives.
The Aikins Family will celebrate Jenny’s life in the future at a service with all of her special caregivers from over the years. The Family would like to send a special thank you to the incredible second family Jenny had for so many years at E3 Community Services in Collingwood. The staff supported her so she enjoyed an independent, productive and happy life once she became an adult. As well we’d like to thank the staff at Grove Park Home in Barrie who took such good care of her during her final months.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in the memory of Jenny Aikins are welcome to E3 Community Services, 100 Pretty River Pkwy., Collingwood L9Y 4X2.