Obituary of Jacqueline Hill

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jackie, in Bristol, England, on July 18, 2007 at the age of 48 years. She was the beloved daughter of Brenda and Terry, dear sister to Stephen and Ian and wife of Steven Hill. Travelling was always in her blood. Born in Worcester, England, she immigrated to Canada with her family in 1973. After graduating with a BA in Sociology at the University of Calgary, she worked as a probation officer and then as the Executive Director of the John Howard Society. Jackie then moved to Quebec to study French. In 1986 she returned to the UK and made Bristol her base, teaching as well in Finland and Italy. Japan beckoned in 1990, where she supervised language programs, leaving Tokyo in 1993 to travel around the world. After graduating from Bristol University with a Masters degree in education, Jackie taught at Filton College until leaving in 2000 to work in Dubai with her husband Steve, a freelance journalist. Jackie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, had treatment but was re-diagnosed in 2004. Her illness heightened her passion for travelling and she continued to teach despite grueling chemotherapy treatments. Steve said “Jackie won widespread admiration for the way she coped with her illness”, but she always maintained her greatest achievements were writing two books for students of English, one of which became a bestseller and is due to be republished by OUP in January 2008. A Celebration of Jackie’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle, N.W.) on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Jackie requested informal dress, no black but to wear purple or mauve if possible. Instead of flowers, donations may be made if desired directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 or at the “Cool Cars Cruising 4 Cancer” fund raiser in aid of the Cancer Society, at McMahon Stadium on August 26, 2007. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.