Jill Jacqueline "Jacqui" Giffin

A Life Well Lived – In Loving Memory of Jill Jacqueline "Jacqui" Giffin (née Bannister)

There are some people whose presence simply makes the world a brighter place. Jacqui was one of those people. 

Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, on February 28, 1968, to John and Eva (Decker) Bannister, Jacqui lived a life defined by faith, laughter, compassion, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. She passed away on June 29, 2026, leaving behind hearts that are broken, but lives made infinitely richer because she was part of them. 

From an early age, Jacqui possessed a remarkable intellect and a love of learning that never faded. Whether she was reading a book, exploring history, triumphantly defending one of her wonderfully enigmatic Scrabble words, or astonishing everyone by knowing the answer to an obscure trivia question, she approached life with wonder and enthusiasm. Trivial Pursuit wasn’t simply a game—it was one of her greatest joys, especially when she shared spirited matches with her beloved Aunt Dot. Those games were filled with laughter, good-natured competition, and memories that will be treasured forever. 

After graduating from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1990 and earning her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Mary’s University, Jacqui dedicated her professional life to serving others as a Cytotechnologist. She began her career at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater before continuing at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. Throughout her career, she was admired for her knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to excellence in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer. Jacqui was the greatest role model in her daughter's life, Gina. Jacqui was also an enthusiastic union volunteer, always willing to give her time and energy in support of those around her. 

Jacqui’s Christian faith was the foundation of her life. In her younger years, she was actively involved in the Sunday School program at the Halifax Metro Vineyard Church and later continued serving faithfully as a Sunday school teacher at New Life Christian Church in Bridgewater. She cherished every opportunity to encourage her daughter and any of her friends that showed an interest in their faith in Jesus Christ, always welcoming their questions and sharing his love with patience and joy. Jacqui believed that faith was something to be lived each day with humility, generosity, and love. 

Jacqui had an infectious laugh that could fill a room and warm every heart within it. She had a remarkable ability to bring levity to even the most difficult situations, reminding those around her that hope and humour could exist alongside life’s challenges. She found reasons to smile, and in doing so, gave others permission to smile too. 

Music was woven into the fabric of Jacqui’s life from a very young age. She began singing in the Junior Choir at All Saints Church, where she became known for her beautiful voice and often performed solos during worship services. Gospel hymns, classic favourites, pop songs—it didn’t matter. If there was music, Jacqui was singing. Her voice reflected the joy that lived so naturally within her, and those who were blessed to hear her sing will forever treasure the gift of her music. 

Of all the roles she embraced, none brought her greater happiness than being a wife, mother, and grandmother. 

She shared a loving life with her devoted husband, Philip Giffin and found endless pride in her daughter, Gina Risser (Kyle). Her grandchildren—Tianna, Jack, Demar, Brooke, and Ezra—were the lights of her life. Nothing delighted her more than spending time with them creating magical moments, celebrating their accomplishments, and surrounding them with unconditional love. She also adored her two Himalayan Ragdoll cats, Tony and Joey, whose companionship brought her endless comfort and joy.  

She will be lovingly remembered by her mother, Eva; her sister, Lana Barry (Gord); her brother, Jeffrey (Angela); her parents-in-law, Dianne and Walter Giffin; her brother-in-law, Shawn Giffin (Amanda); her nieces and nephews, Jon-Michael (Shayla), Shaelynn (Miguel), Gabriel, Sabella, and Walter; her great-niece and great-nephew, Maddi and Brady; her uncle Cyril Decker (Phyllis); her aunt Geraldine Smith; along with many beloved cousins, extended family members, treasured friends, and former colleagues. She now joins in eternal rest her beloved father, John, her grandparents, Bond and Georgina Bannister and John and Charlotte Decker; her aunts and uncles, Beulah and Amos Payne, Gordon and Dulcie Decker, Llewellyn Decker, Leonard and Florence Decker, Dorothy Hanley and her cousin, Scott Hanley.  

The measure of a life is not found in the number of years lived, but in the love that remains when someone is gone.   

Though our hearts are broken, we are profoundly grateful for the gift of Jacqui’s life. Her unwavering faith, generous heart, joyful spirit, beautiful voice, and the boundless love she shared so freely with family and friends will continue to inspire all who knew her.   

Our family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and healthcare team at Valley Regional Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness. We are especially grateful to the Kentville VON Home Support staff, whose compassion, dedication, and gentle care allowed Jacqui to face her final months with dignity, comfort, and love. Their kindness brought immeasurable comfort not only to Jacqui, but to our entire family, and for that we will be forever thankful.  

In keeping with Jacqui’s wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11^th at 11am at New Life Christian Church in Bridgewater Nova Scotia with Pastor Brian Nelmes officiating, followed by a reception in the church hall.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com. 

Until we meet again, may the angels sing you home.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23