November 29th, 2021

Jenny Berggren Negraiff (nee Jensen) passed away on the morning of November 29th, 2021 in Vernon, BC. She was predeceased by her father (Regner), mother (Gerda), 2 brothers (Ove and Egon), Rich (husband), nephew (Lenny) and companion (Bill).

Jenny is survived by her two children Dwight (Liesl) and Sheila (Kevin), her grandchildren Russel, Nikolai, Hudson and Ashley. She is also survived by her brothers Gunnar (Lena), Jimmy (Brenda) and her two sisters Lisa and Debbie (Dave), plus many nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Jenny lived a very fulfilled life. She was born in Denmark and immigrated to Vancouver, Canada with her family at the young age of 3. Jenny was one of seven siblings. She learned to cook and bake at a very young age to be of assistance to the large family. Jenny attended John Oliver High School – although formal education was not ‘her cup of tea.’ She started her career in the grocery store industry at IGA, where she met her first husband Jim. To the dismay of many family members, they built a house out in the ‘boonies,’ Haney, aka Maple Ridge. They had two children, Dwight and Sheila. Jenny continued working as a cashier but at Supervalue and later Extra Foods. Her generosity shone through when Jenny brought cakes, squares or pies into the staff room to share with her co-workers. They were always a huge hit and she never came home with leftovers!

Jenny met the love of her life shortly after divorcing Jim in 1980. Rich introduced Jenny to the great outdoors, motorcycles and ‘corn binders.’ The motorcycle day trips and tropical vacations to Cancun and Cozumel were very memorable to her. Jenny had a special way with her kindness; she knew how to connect with people to make them smile and feel at ease. This was very apparent when the grandchildren were born. She would have said her proudest times were being a grandmother. She had a special finesse and gracefulness when she was around the grandchildren.

In 2002 Jenny was struck with her first blow – breast cancer. She was so strong throughout the painful ordeal. Part way through Jenny’s treatment, Rich was diagnosed with brain cancer. To this day, no one can quite comprehend her pillar of strength throughout this time of her life. Sadly, Rich did not recover yet Jenny’s fortitude kept her going. She returned to work for a short time and then had an epiphany; life is too short. Jenny retired early and moved to Vernon to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Jenny’s life in Vernon was robust! She dove into all sorts of volunteering: BX Elementary, Vernon Secondary, Georgette’s, Vernon Hospital Auxiliary, knit toques for the Mental Health Association, and the Army and Navy. The Legion, specifically the Poppy Campaign, was her pride and joy. She met Bill while volunteering there; they made a great team! Jenny met many other people while volunteering but Bill had the biggest impact. The two of them would faithfully attend Winter Carnival and Music in the Park. Jenny especially enjoyed attending all of the grandkids’ sporting events such as baseball, football, hockey, soccer and lacrosse.

In the midst of Jenny’s busy life volunteering, she was struck with her second blow – heart issues. After a couple heath scares, she ended up getting a pacemaker ‘installed.’ This resolved the random fainting. Jenny persevered with the pacemaker and adapted her life around diabetes; the side effect from her first blow of cancer. Nothing seemed to stop this courageous independent woman from doing what she loved! Trips to the coast and Vancouver Island to visit family and friends was always top priority for her. Laughing endlessly on annual ‘Sister Weekends’ must have been great medicine. She also thoroughly enjoyed thrifting with Sheila and seeking out garage sales with Liesl. The treasures she found were often epic.

In the fall of 2017 – the breast cancer came back. Bill’s support and love was unwavering. Jenny, the warrior, pulled through again, yet it did slow her down a bit. She carried on with her volunteering and kept a busy social schedule. 2018 would be the most devastating year for Jenny. Her son had a paralyzing accident. The unfailing love for her child could not help him, and it tore her up inside. Rather than crumble, she committed herself to support Dwight by staying with him at GF Strong on weekends. She stayed positive and cheerful for her son. She was so proud and relieved when he came home to Vernon. Life carried on – she baked apple and turkey pies in the fall, visited family in Kamloops, prepared for Christmas, thrifted, knit, sewed, and spent time with Bill.

Summer/fall 2019 – Jenny had a couple more scares, one of which dictated her shortened life with us. Her last diagnosis hit everyone hard. Metastasized brain cancer. Again Jenny’s bravery shone through. With the support of Bill and her whole family she started treatment. The goal was quality over quantity. Jenny’s body did not take the radiation treatment well. She needed support, so Dwight and Liesl opened their hearts and doors for Jenny to move in. She was well loved and tended to in their home along with Bill’s faithful visits 2 times per day, and weekly visits from Sheila for outings and adventures.

In the Spring of 2021, her needs increased so Jenny transitioned to full care at Heron Grove. Jenny was not confined to a wheelchair, however the daytrips and adventures with Sheila did not stop. They used Dwight’s adaptive van to go for beautiful walks to places like the ‘Rail Trail.’

Sadly, Jenny’s health deteriorated until the morning of November 29th when our final goodbyes were said. Jenny was an incredible human and left an impression on more people than we will ever know.

She will be missed dearly.

You may send a message of condolence to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-11-29
• Location : Vernon