Jennifer Jane Benimadhu

Jennifer Benimadhu (née Lingwood) passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side, holding her tight, on May 14, 2024, at the age of 75.

Jennifer was born in England and emigrated to Canada in 1952. Her love of reading led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages at Waterloo Lutheran (1971), a Masters in French literature at McMaster (1974) where she met her ‘one true love’, Prem Benimadhu. She then went on to earn her LL.B at Osgoode Hall Law School (1977) and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1982. Jennifer and Prem spent a wonderful three years in Mauritius with their daughter, Saphina. Upon returning to Ottawa, Jennifer joined the federal public service and welcomed their second daughter, Anjali. In Government, Jennifer held progressively senior roles in Immigration, Industry, and finally at the Canadian International Development Agency, where she served as Assistant Deputy Minister before retiring in 2009. Her reputation for bringing kindness, collaboration, and intellect to her work were superseded only by her generosity of spirit and the importance she placed on being a Mum to her two ‘beloved girls’.

Jennifer was predeceased by her loving husband, Prem, in 2009. She is remembered with love and adoration by her daughters Saphina (Andrew), and Anjali (Rob); sister, Gillian; grandchildren, Autumn, Parker and Stella; and by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Jennifer will take place in Ottawa in the Fall. Memorial donations to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society are appreciated.