With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our cherished mother, Elaine Jones, on October 22, 2024, at the age of 85. She left this world quickly, with her beloved family—Philip, Susan and Glynys —by her side at Etobicoke General Hospital. While her sudden departure has left us heartbroken, we find comfort in the joyful memories she gave to us all and trust she is at peace, alongside her sisters Esmine and Miriam.
Mom didn’t wish for a somber farewell but rather asked that we remember her in happiness, reflecting her own joy-filled life. True to her wishes, we celebrated her 85th birthday just days before, on October 12th, with a lively gathering of family and friends. That day, her beautiful smile and laughter lit up the room as we came together to honor the vibrant spirit she shared so freely. It was a wonderful tribute to her—one of the most cheerful and loving people we’ve ever known. We will forever cherish the warmth and joy of that day as a memory we hold close to our hearts.
Mom was known for her kindness, generosity, and boundless love. She had a unique way of making everyone feel loved, and uplifted. Many have described her as angelic, a sentiment deeply felt by all whose lives she touched. She devoted herself to others with a heart as big as her spirit, leaving us all the better for having known her.
Mom expressed in her wishes that she did not want a funeral. So in place of a formal service, we invite you to celebrate her life here on this memorial page, where you can leave a message, share a memory, or post a photo. For those who feel moved to make a donation, please consider Oxfam Canada, where Mom volunteered and supported with her compassion for others.
Our gratitude goes out to everyone who has reached out with your heartfelt gestures—whether through words, cards or meals—your kindness has brought comfort during this difficult time.
With love and gratitude,
Philip, Susan and Glynys
ELAINE VERONICA JONES, nee Perry
Born: Bartons Village, St. Catherine Parish. Jamaica, West Indies on 3 October 1939
Died: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 22-October-2024 at 14:50 hours, age 85 years.
Elaine was born and grew up near Old Harbour, St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica; her parents being Evans Uriah Perry and Gerseta Wing who owned a coffee and sugar-cane farm. She attended local schools; had her secondary schooling in Kingston and after a few years went to England to further her career. From 1963 - 1966 she was a student nurse at the Central Middlesex Hospital (Acton Hospital), London, and was certified as a State Registered Nurse (SRN) on 19 December 1966. Following her nursing training, she took the 1-year course for her Midwifery which took place at the Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield, Middlesex; the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading; and Gosport, Portsmouth, and received her State Certified Midwife (SCM) award in May 1968. During her SCM course, Elaine became a Citizen of the UK on the 28 June 1967. To visit her family in Canada, Elaine left the UK in August 1968 for Toronto which became her permanent residence.
In Toronto, she worked as a Staff-Nurse at the Scarborough Centenary and the North York Hospitals, during which time, she met her future husband, Philip F. Jones, who was on leave from his work in Botswana, Africa. In August 1972, she flew from Toronto, to London, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and on to Francistown, Botswana to join him. In mid-September 1972, Elaine and Philip left Botswana, and flew to Nigeria where Philip started a contract to work in northern Nigeria with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). She married Philip on 20 October 1972 in Ilorin, Kwara State, and in September 1973 baby Susan was born. With Philip's contract completed, the three of them left on a passenger liner ship from Nigeria on 21 June 1974 for the 2-week voyage to Southampton, England, and onward by ship to Canada. Glynys was born in Toronto in September 1976.
From 1978 - 1980, Elaine and the family lived in Barbados, West Indies where Philip was a Project Manager with the CIDA, working with the Eastern Caribbean Governments in Manpower and Educational Planning, with the assistance of Canadian Government funding. On occasion, Elaine, travelling with Philip, was able to visit the beautiful islands within the Leeward and Windward Islands group. From 1980’s onward, the Jones family resided in Toronto, Canada.
Elaine is survived by her husband Philip, after 52 years of marriage, and they are survived by their two daughters, Susan and Glynys. Elaine is also survived by her six nieces and their families who reside in Canada, the USA, and Jamaica, and Philip's three nephews and one niece who live in the U.K..
Elaine has requested a private funeral for her cremation, and no flowers to be sent, please. She died peacefully at Etobicoke General Hospital in Toronto, as a result of an abdominal infection, surrounded by her immediate family.