1953 – 2015
We are all born with our giveaway, what we have brought to share with the world, our reason for being. Jain was one of the lucky ones who had found hers – those places where she was most passionate and joyful and found a way to make a difference in the world.
Jain represented what was best in community. She was always there to welcome those who needed welcoming, a shoulder to cry on for those in grief or emotional turmoil, and a helping hand whenever there was a job to be done. She filled many spaces in the life of the CAS co-op… as a natural mediator where conflicts arose; a host gathering people around food; a deep listener– with curiosity, never judgement.
Remembered for her flowing long red hair, she was a wild woman and injected drama and beauty into her surroundings and relationships, beauty that came in a myriad of forms. One couldn’t miss the colourful skeins of wool she hung in the hallway outside her unit, or the colourful Ukrainian dresses seemingly dancing on her living room wall. She was a knitter and sewer, a pie-maker, sushi maker, celebration creator, creative writer and fashionista with flair.
Jain had a curious and creative mind. She was always eager to learn, discuss, challenge and debate to make a situation better. She never gave up questioning, whether something happening in the world, or between individuals.
Traveller. Nature lover. Any chance she could, Jain would venture into the mountains, or wander a shoreline. She answered the call when it came to protecting the natural world around her whether it was cleaning up beaches or showing up as a video activist to capture the logging protests taking place in Clayoquot Sound. After leaving UBC, Jain went north to Smithers where she found meaningful work, love and a community amidst the stunning mountains.
It must be paradise where you are,
because everywhere you have been—paradise followed.
(From Ken McCormick)