HERITAGE OTTAWA, By Carolyn Quinn

It is with great sadness that we share news of the loss of Jennifer Rosebrugh, a long-time member and former president of Heritage Ottawa, who passed away on November 8.

Jennifer was an active member before taking over as president of Heritage Ottawa in 1995, a position she held for two years. During her presidency, she pursued a number of important heritage issues in the city including the preservation of the Central Experimental Farm, the restoration of the Booth Barn, and the rehabilitation of historic properties facing demolition such as St. Charles School and a duplex at 171-173 Bolton Street, among others.

While meeting many demands as president of Heritage Ottawa, Jennifer was also pursuing a career with Foreign Affairs, involving travel to many interesting parts of the world. A posting in Moscow in 1997 took Jennifer away from Ottawa and heritage activism for a time, but upon her return she served on the Board of Directors from 2001 to 2004, and enthusiastically donated her time to develop and lead walking tours of New Edinburgh and Lindenlea in support of Heritage Ottawa’s Walking Tour Program. Jennifer was a popular tour guide for many years.

Jennifer’s many years of commitment, support and advocacy have left a tangible mark on Ottawa’s heritage.

We at Heritage Ottawa extend our sincerest condolences to her husband Jeff Murray, her brother Jeff Rosebrugh, a long-time Heritage Ottawa supporter, and the many family members, friends and colleagues who are mourning her passing.

Update, November 22: A gathering of Jennifer's friends will be held at the Lindenlea Community Centre at 15 Rockcliffe Way, Ottawa on Saturday, December 2nd from 2-5 p.m.

You can read Jennifer Rosebrugh’s obituary in the Ottawa Citizen.