GUITTARD, Jenny Laine
Jan 10, 1977 - Mar 3, 2024
Jenny Laine Guittard was born on January 10,1977 in Edmonton, Alberta. She passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, 13 months after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Throughout this difficult past year Jenny continued her commitment to patient centred care, education, and support of others in similar circumstances. A dedicated and passionate Registered Nurse at the Cross Cancer Institute for the past 20 years, she was a proponent for early detection of pancreatic cancer, an advocate for cancer patients, and a role model to many. She chose to start an Instagram page, chronicling her many treatments, symptoms, tests, procedures, fears, hopes and triumphs. She inspired and impacted many people across the world on this platform, showing by example how she did not allow cancer to define her life - she chose to live life to the fullest. Jenny enjoyed multiple trips, concerts, weddings, family events, golf games, gardening and walks with her beloved Westie, Penny. She joined Wellspring where felting, yoga, meditation and reiki all brought her joy in the past year. The people that she met there, both survivors and caregivers, all lifted her spirits and their many gestures of support were so appreciated.
She was a leader amongst her work colleagues and a dear friend. The support from her CCI family has been amazing. She touched many lives with her professional expertise, her kindness and fun personality. She will be remembered by many patients that she treated.
Jenny married the love of her life, Alex Burden on Dec.1, 2023. Alex has added such joy to Jenny's life in at the past 5 years. Along with Alex, mourning her loss are his parents Cathy and Rick Burden and sister Emily, many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and band friends. Jenny was loved by her parents Deb (Edgecombe) and Gerry Guittard, sister Jesse and husband Tyler Letourneau, brother Ben and wife Lindsay, brother Dan and partner Taylor, brother Sam and wife Marsha. She was a special Auntie to 8 nieces and nephews; Logan, Lucas, and Evan Letourneau, Noah, Harper, Bailey, Andi, and Lainey Guittard. Many loved cousins, friends and colleagues.
So many health professionals in the past year helped above and beyond to soften the blow of this difficult diagnosis. Staff from the Cross Cancer Institute, Grey Nuns Hospital, Royal Alex Hospital and Pilgrims Hospice are forever remembered for their kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to these facilities or the Canadian Pancreatic Association in Jenny's memory. Jenny's celebration of life will be held at the Enjoy Centre in St. Albert, Alberta on Friday, March 15 from 4-8pm. 101 Riel Drive.