We Remember
SMALLWOOD, Jessica Ann
August 2, 1988 — October 24, 2017
As a result of a MVA on the 24th of October, 2017, Jessica passed away at the Penticton Regional Hospital at the age of 29 years. She is survived by her loving family: mother Barb Houston, sister Allie Smallwood and Nanna Jean Houston.
Jessica was born in Ottawa, Ontario on August 2nd, 1988. She moved to B.C. the following year and Jess spent her early years living in Peachland and Kelowna. She and her sister Allie attended the Kelowna Waldorf School and then later Peter Greer Elementary after moving to Lake Country, B.C.
Jessica spent many years studying dance at the Lake Country School of Dance (Thanks, Shani and all!) She attended high school at George Elliot Secondary where her passion for music and theatre led her to the Drama department. She was involved in choirs and jazz bands, choreography and musical productions where she gave voice to her love and passion for performing, singing and flute. With her background in dance and music, she was led into teaching opportunities and taught many a little toe to tap to the rhythm!
Jess spent her later teens living and working in the Kelowna area and finally gave in to the call of city life and moved to live in Vancouver in her early 20’s. Throughout these few years, Jessica continued to develop with hoop dance and fire spinning. She performed with “Kinshira,” a fire spinning troupe of local and national renown. With her heart set on living in Montreal, she finally made that move and had been living there for the past couple of years.
Jessica was a loving, gentle and adventurous soul whose love of life inspired all those she touched. Her friends are wondrous and countless. Her circle of light shines through us all as her memory lives in our hearts forever.
Always in our hearts.
There will be a Celebration of Her Life held on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Okanagan Centre Community Hall, 11099 Maddock Ave, Lake Country, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Location
Okanagan Centre Community Hall
I was very sorry to hear of Jessica’s passing on Oct 24. I didn’t know Jessica personally but only knew of her after coming upon the accident scene on Monday night. I hope her companion is recovering well. Though it was short, it sounds like Jessica’s life was full of fun and making other people happy through her love of dance. Please send my deep condolences and sympathies to her family and friends.
I knew Jess through friends in Montréal. I’m so heartbroken to hear about her passing, she was such a warm and beautiful person. My condolences to her family and friends.
i worked with Jessica in Vancouver
she would brighten the day with all her coworkers
i will miss you Jessica
love nish
Dear Barb and Allie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Jess will be deeply missed. You are all in my thoughts.
Colin Paterson
Dear Barb, Allie and Nanna, we are so very sorry for your loss. Jessie enjoyed life with spontaneity and enthusiasm and her laughter was contagious. Jessica was such a free spirit with a childlike love of play. She and Ryan often left us in stitches with their humour and antics. It was a pleasure to know your beautiful daughter.
Dear Barbie ,Jean & Allie
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
If you are ever in Calgary , you are always welcome here.
Take care.
Barb, I just found out, because of your search for Jessi’s sketch book. I am blown away, and can’t stop my tears to know that your baby girl has gone. So deeply sorry to hear about your immense loss. Lexi, and that is for you too. I have no words to express the sorrow about Jessica’s passing. To loose your one and only sister, your sister you shared your life with and now she is gone. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you will find her sketch book and I hope it can give you both some comfort. Annemarie
Having only just become aware of Jess’ passing, I am deeply saddened. Jess and I worked in the theatre department together in high school, and she was always so sweet and funny. Jess had an incredible stage presence, and I am sure that her energy positively touched the lives of everyone who encountered her. My deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful young woman.