It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jenny Jeanes, a tireless advocate for refugee and migrant rights who passed away on March 7, 2025. Jenny’s death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her, from colleagues and friends to the countless individuals and families whose lives she impacted through her lifelong dedication to social justice.
Jenny Jeanes was a passionate, professional, and compassionate individual whose contributions to the world were nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of her career, Jenny worked on behalf of detained migrants and refugees, providing unwavering support and tirelessly advocating for their rights. A long-time member of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) and Action Réfugiés Montréal (ARM), Jenny was deeply involved in the global fight for justice for refugees and migrants in Canada. As Vice President of the CCR, she was a leader in the organization’s efforts to improve the conditions and treatment of detained migrants, working tirelessly to create a world in which all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Jenny’s leadership in the field was characterized by both a fierce commitment to justice and a compassionate approach to the individuals and families affected by immigration detention. Her deep empathy and unyielding drive to make a difference made her an invaluable ally for those facing the hardships and challenges of the immigration system. Jenny was not just a professional but a mentor, friend, and tireless advocate. Her efforts to support and uplift others were evident in her daily work, and she had a profound impact on those around her, both personally and professionally.
Jenny’s career spanned more than two decades, and during this time, she served in numerous capacities within the refugee and migrant advocacy community. In addition to her role as Vice President of the CCR, she was Co-Chair of the Inland Protection Working Group, where she led advocacy efforts to improve the treatment of detained migrants and advocated for meaningful reform of the immigration detention system. One of Jenny’s key beliefs was that the voices of people with lived experiences should take center stage in the conversation around migration. Throughout her career, Jenny was a fierce proponent of amplifying these voices and advocating for policies that would allow migrants and refugees to live with dignity and respect.
Jenny’s contributions to the refugee and migrant community extended far beyond her work with the CCR. At ARM, she coordinated the Detention Program and visited the Immigration Holding Centre (IHC) in Laval weekly, providing much-needed support to detained migrants. Jenny also founded important initiatives such as the ARM Twinning Program and the men’s group, both of which provided vital resources and support to individuals in the community. Over her 20 years at ARM, Jenny mentored nearly a hundred students and interns, shaping the lives and careers of future advocates for justice.
Jenny’s work was not just recognized locally; it was also acknowledged nationally. She was a respected expert on issues of immigration detention and was frequently called upon to testify before parliamentary committees and speak at public events. Her voice was heard in university classrooms, in the media, and in policy discussions, where she advocated for policies that prioritized the well-being and dignity of detained migrants and refugees. Jenny’s advocacy was always grounded in a deep sense of humanity and justice, and her dedication to those she served was unwavering.
Jenny was known for her infectious smile, her positive spirit, and her ability to bring joy and laughter to every room she entered. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel valued and supported, no matter their circumstances. Her kindness and compassion were felt deeply by all who knew her. She had a unique ability to connect with people, and her genuine care for others was evident in everything she did.
Those who worked alongside Jenny and were fortunate enough to be mentored by her speak fondly of her wisdom, patience, and generosity. Jenny inspired so many individuals in the refugee and migrant rights community, and her legacy will continue to impact the work of those who follow in her footsteps. As one colleague put it, “Jenny was a force of nature—someone who made the world a better place with every action she took. Her passion for justice, her advocacy for refugees, and her genuine care for the people she worked with were unparalleled.”
Though her passing leaves a profound emptiness, Jenny’s legacy continues to live on. She was not only a beloved advocate for refugees and migrants but a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. Jenny is survived by her husband, Colm, her daughters, Orla and Olivia, and her dog Dusty. Her family and close friends have expressed their deep grief over her loss, but they also take solace in knowing that her work and spirit will continue to inspire generations of activists and advocates.
Jenny’s passing has also left a deep impact on the refugee and migrant advocacy community. Many individuals and organizations who worked with Jenny over the years have expressed their heartfelt condolences, recalling her as a passionate leader, an unwavering advocate for human rights, and a dear friend.
As a community, we continue to honor Jenny’s memory by standing with those she worked so tirelessly to support. Her work has left an indelible mark on the refugee and migrant advocacy landscape, and we are committed to continuing the fight for justice, equality, and dignity for all individuals, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
In honoring Jenny’s life, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, advocacy, and the power of community. Jenny lived her life with an unwavering commitment to these principles, and it is through our collective effort that we can continue her legacy. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary impact she had on the world and the lives she touched.
Jenny’s work will continue to inspire and guide us. Her commitment to refugees, migrants, and social justice will live on in the countless individuals and families she helped throughout her career. Jenny may no longer be with us, but her legacy will live on in every effort made to improve the lives of those who have been displaced and marginalized, and in every life that was touched by her kindness, advocacy, and love.
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