Dr. Cornelius John Jaenen
1927-2026
Cornelius was born in Cannington Manor, Saskatchewan, on February 21, 1927,
and passed away on October 14, 2026. The only child of John and Rosa Jaenen,
he was predeceased by his wife Ina May (née Turner) and one grandson. He
leaves to mourn his 10 children: Elizabeth Hazelwood (Ralph), Anne, Margaret
Rose Misetic (Jozo), Jeannette Cross (Robert Brennan), John (Brenda), Suzanne
(Francine Marion), Mark (Bea Worsfold), Michelle (Alfred Moore), Daniel
(Candace), and Tatiana Sotindjo. The family legacy will carry on well into the
future through many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-
grandchildren.
He will be remembered as a kind, passionate and devoted Christian who loved his
family and friends, and cared for all those who called upon him for help. He had a
zest for life, thirst for knowledge and love of travel. As a professor at the University
of Winnipeg and the University of Ottawa, he distinguished himself in Canadian
history with focus on Indigenous-French relations, religious studies, ethnic
minority groups and, in later years, Belgian immigration. His work was
acknowledged with many awards and will live on through the numerous books and
publications he authored and students he taught.
Memorial service to be held on November 27, 2026, at 11 am with reception to follow at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cornelius’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca). The service will be livestreamed @ link to be added when available.
