Jennifer Mercer Chanter

Jennifer Mercer Chanter
12 March 1940 – 28 August 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jennifer Mercer Chanter on August 28, 2025, at the Carleton Place Terrace, Carleton Place, Ontario. Born on March 12, 1940, in Montreal, Quebec, Jennifer lived a full and creative life surrounded by family, friends, and the arts.

She was predeceased by her parents, John Chanter and Violet (Watson), and her beloved daughter Margaret Colby. Jennifer is survived by her loving sister, Cheryl Chanter, and her son, Ian Colby (Patty); her grandchildren, Erin (Chad LaForty), and Sean (Hannah); and great-grandchildren, Eloise and Jack. She will also be deeply missed by her partner in life, Steve Flindall, and his family: daughter Mary (Jim); grandchildren Dale Simpson (Ashley) and Katie (James Pritchard); and great-grandson Finn.

Jennifer studied Fine Arts at Concordia University and completed her Postgraduate Teaching Certificate at McGill University. She enjoyed a distinguished 33-year career teaching art to Grades 9-13 at Cobourg District Collegiate Institute West and East Northumberland Secondary School, where she also served as Head of the Art Department. Her love of art inspired generations of students and artists she mentored with generosity and encouragement.

A long-time resident of Presqu’ile Bay, Brighton, Ontario, Jennifer’s love for the area was reflected in both her personal and professional life. She was an accomplished watercolour and acrylic painter and, under the mentorship of Yarko Zavi, became a skilled ceramicist. For more than 40 years, she exhibited in galleries across Ontario. Among her proudest moments was being invited to Ottawa in 1976 for the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration, where she was presented to Queen Elizabeth II as a young Canadian excelling in the arts. Later, she was honoured by the Polar Continental Shelf Project of the Federal Government, who sponsored her to record the High Arctic in watercolour. This remarkable experience inspired her first book, featuring her paintings of Arctic wildflowers.

Jennifer's adventurous spirit led her on travels across every continent, often with Steve by her side. She delighted in photography, creating one-of-a-kind cards, sending thoughtful handwritten letters, preparing her signature tourtière each year, hosting gatherings, and decorating with an eye for finding beauty in life’s simplest details.

Jennifer also gave much to her community. As a teen, she proudly served as a majorette for the Montreal Alouettes. She later served on the Board of Directors for Loyalist College, co-founded the 3+3 Art Group in Brighton, and was a founding member of Gallery 121 in Belleville. She also treasured the friendships she made through her local Tai Chi group. Jennifer remained deeply grateful to the community that supported and celebrated her artistic journey.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Trenton Memorial Hospital, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, and The Carleton Place Terrace for heir exceptional care and compassion.

Memorial donations may be made to The Friends of Presqui’ile, Brighton, Ontario.

Jennifer will be laid to rest beside her daughter, Margaret, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Brighton, Ontario.

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