It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Jennifer Anne Gibson, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her bravery and strength to push through her long fight has been an inspiration to all.
Born to Rick Gibson and Carolynn Selbee on October 1984, Jennifer spent her childhood years in Penticton and Fort Langley.
Creative from the beginning with a love for music, she played both flute and guitar. Jennifer graduated high school at Langley Fine Arts and spending much of her youth riding horses.
Jennifer’s curiosity for human diversity and interest in social justice led her to pursue education in Cultural Anthropology, graduating with a Masters degree from University of Toronto. A deep desire to learn, she was always researching and expanding her knowledge while working towards a PhD in the same field.
From 2014 until her passing, Jennifer dedicated herself to shedding light on both current and historical events related to Indigenous land rights in B.C. Her work reflected a deep respect for truth, justice, and community. She brought her talents as a researcher, writer, and documentarian to the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, where she contributed to meaningful conversations around unceded Indigenous territories.
In 2018 she found home and planted her roots in the heart of East Vancouver with her dog Holly who won her whole heart when she adopted her that year. Jennifer created her sanctuary with the gardens she nurtured and the art she painted – her space was a reflection of all she loved in a community that brought her so much peace.
Jennifer is survived by her father Rick (Maureen) Gibson, her mother Carolynn Selbee, her brother Will Gibson, her sister Jenny (Matt) Marier, her nieces Macy and Makenna Marier, nephews Benson and Bo Marier, her many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Jennifer had a special connection with her cousin Krystal Selbee and of course her dog Holly. Jennifer was a good friend to so many and will be missed by everyone that knew her.
A special heartfelt thank you to her friends of the Callanish Group for their love and support. If you wish to do an act of kindness in Jennifer’s honour, please consider a donation to the Callanish Group.
The family will be holding a memorial service on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Surrey, B.C.
7 Comments
Imelda McCarthy, Ireland
A beautiful intelligent woman gone too soon, rest peacefully Jennifer. Condolences to Rick, Maureen, Will and the extended family
Jesse Myles Lawrence
Jennifer,
I am so proud to have known you, and I am grateful for the time that we had. Your noble heart and your gentle spirit are memories I will treasure forever. Your incisive, penetrating intelligence, your great wit and curiosity, and the principles that guided you continue to be an inspiration to me, and the lives that you touched in the brief time you were here with us. You were called away far too soon, and I will miss you deeply.
My deepest sympathies to your family, to Rick and Carolyn, Will and Jenny, Krystal, and all others with the privilege to know you.
Walk on in peace and love, my friend.
Kate
I was deeply grateful to have met Jen through callenish. She was a fast friend, an easy friend who helped me see the world as brighter. I will miss you, I do miss you. Rest easy my girl. We will continue to love you forever. Condolences to her family.
Caitlyn
I met Jennifer at U of T. It was so nice to meet someone from home with similar interests. Jennifer was such a kind and compassionate person. She touched the lives of so many people she met. I am so grateful for her kindness and to have known her. She will be missed but the light that her life brought to this world will continue to shine. I wish her family comfort and peace during this time.
Jen L
Rest in Paradise Jennifer, your memory will live in the hearts of all who loved you. Thank you for all you did for your community, family and colleagues. Your beautiful smiles shows your beautiful spirit. May the creator hold you in her light
Josephine Wilkinson
From Elizabeth, Josephine, Alex & Mildred
We are praying for the family at this time. We love you all soo dearly and wish we could be with you all ❤️ We will never forget the love Jen showed the first time we met her in Canada. What a kind, selfless, beautiful woman. Even as I spent time with her in the midst of her battle, she maintained her love and light no matter what. God will provide you a peace that surpasses all understanding at this time. May her love, light and intelligence live on in all of us 💖 Love from the London family (and the lil ones Alizah & Elizabeth too) 😘
Mavis Underwood
What a powerful legacy and refreshing energy this young woman left for all of us. She lived her life with great purpose and was a wonderful example, ahead of her time finding great opportunities to experience truth and reconciliation.