Jeanny Ann VAN DUYVENVOORDE

After a long illness, bravely borne, Jeanny Ann Vanduyvenvoorde passed peacefully on November 14, 2025, at Victoria General Hospital.

Born on April 21, 1958, in BadenBaden, Germany, Jeanny moved to Canada with her family in 1961. Jeanny cherished childhood summers spent with her beloved grandmother during trips to Germany — memories she treasured throughout her life.

A gifted educator with a gentle, intuitive way of reaching children, Jeanny taught at Glenlyon Norfolk School, before continuing her career at Craigflower Elementary, where her students affectionately called her “Ms. V.”.  Her classroom was an inclusive space where children felt safe and supported, a learning environment where children at all developmental levels found patience, encouragement and genuine belonging.

Music was one of Jeanny’s lifelong passions. She played the viola, violin, guitar, and drums, and delighted in sharing her love of music with young people. Her appreciation for language, story-telling, and the arts enriched her own life and the lives of those around her.

Jeanny also had a deep love of gardening. Roses were her specialty, and she collected many varieties that thrived under her attentive care. Her garden reflected her spirit: vibrant, expressive, and bursting with colour – much like Jeanny herself, whose love of colour was reflected in a personal style that was joyful, bold, and unmistakably imbued with the same confidence and creativity she brought to every part of her life.

Animals held a special place in Jeanny’s heart. An equestrienne who once found peace and joy in the companionship of her horse, she later became the loving guardian of her cherished parrots Eliza, Georgie, Joey, Tazzie, Oliver Meyer, Coco and Piccolo. These she fondly referred to as her “kids”,
and they filled her home with personality, mischief, and affection. She adored them. Jeanny was also a familiar and valued presence at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre where she was a member of the Drumming, Beading, and Language (Metis) groups. These wonderful communities provided inspiration, connection, and camaraderie.

Predeceased by her beloved father, John, in 1995, her nephew, Zack, in 2008, and most recently her mother, Helga, in 2025, Jeanny leaves behind brothers Jack, Jerry, and her niece Emma, of whom she was very proud.

Jeanny will be profoundly missed by her remaining family; her Aunt Coby in Ontario; her dear friend and former sister-in-law Ruth Barry, whose family in South Africa loved Jeanny as their own; her wide circle of friends; her fellow creatives at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre; her former students, and, of course, by her remaining much-beloved parrots — Eliza, Georgie, Joey, and Tazzie.

Jeanny will be remembered for her warmth, her curiosity, her love of music and gardens, her colourful spirit, and the gentle way she made people feel valued. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with her kindness, creativity, and quiet wisdom.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 17th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Victoria

Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Avenue, Victoria, B. C.. All who knew Jeanny are welcome to gather, remember, and honour her.