Obituary of Jackie Tennent

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Jacqueline (Jackie) Irene Tennent

1950 - 2024

It is with great respect that the family of Jacqueline (Jackie) Irene Tennent announces her passing early Monday, June 17, 2024.   

Jackie was born September 16, 1950 to Edward and Lilian Gracewood in the original University Heights, an area of natural prairie north of the main campus, close to the current location of the Synchrotron facility.   

Her siblings include brother Jeff Gracewood (Debbie), sisters Joan Payne, Samaya Chase and Janice Roy (Darryn). Jackie leaves her sons Bohdan and Gregory Semchuk and husband Colin Tennent. Her grandchildren include Gabriel, Jasper and Ava O'Keefe, Soraya Semchuk, Keira Tennent and Jack Tennent.  

All who knew Jackie recognized her unwavering love for God and family. She was brilliant, humble and selflessly compassionate; a rare combination. Her capacity for forgiveness was legendary. Her rock solid belief was that through the boundless grace of Jesus Christ she was forgiven as she forgave others. We have no doubt she received a very high score in that regard.

Jackie was an exceptional educator who began her career teaching in the ACTEL program for gifted students and retired as principal of the largest public system school in Saskatoon. She held the attitude that she would leave no one behind. That was for her a difficult but not insurmountable challenge in a designated community school.  

Jackie also taught gifted children for 24 years. We were regularly approached by former pupils who credit their often considerable successes in life to her creative influence in grades 5 and 6.

Perhaps Jackie's greatest work related achievement was 440 Quilt Shop, undertaken with her sister Joan and the amazing staff of the shop. It became a true mission field if not a roaring financial success. It was also known for outstanding fabrics and quilt kits. They had customers from across North America. There was always coffee and a cookie (often baked by mother Lilian) and a shoulder to lean on in difficult times. Jackie would often pray with her customers.

Our Jackie was also courageous. A dozen years ago she followed a truck that was used to dump a load of garbage in a rural ditch to the driver's home, went to the door of the house and demanded that he go back and pick it up. He told her where to go. She then reported this abuse to the RM of Corman Park with the address of the perp. The RM recovered envelopes containing the same address Jackie had given the RM and the perp was charged. Just another day in Jackie's life!

Jackie's greatest love was for family, especially her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

We miss Jackie terribly but celebrate a life extremely well lived. We also celebrate her joyful reception with her heavenly father. Rest peacefully dear Jackie.  

A Celebration of Jackie’s Life will be held on Wednesday, June 26 at 1:30 pm at Forest Grove Community Church (502 Webster St, Saskatoon).  In lieu of flowers we suggest donations in Jackie’s memory be sent to the Saskatoon Cancer Foundation (https://cancerfoundationsask.akaraisin.com/ui/donate/donations/start).