Dear Friends and Family,

My sister, Amira, and I, Réda, have made this page to remember our beautiful mother, Jamila Bourgeois, who passed away on March 8, on International Women’s Day, after a long and difficult battle with metastatic breast cancer.

She was one of the kindest people we knew, always thinking about others before herself. Our dad, Claude Bourgeois, who passed away from lung cancer in 2012, was just as caring. Together, they taught us that the kindness we show to others is what really matters, because while money can come and go, kindness stays with people forever. While it’s hard to lose her, I find comfort knowing that mom and dad are together again.

My mother was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and after treatment, she went into remission. However, in May 2023, the cancer came back, much stronger and more aggressive, and spread to her lungs, liver, bones, and brain. It was very difficult to see her suffer, knowing she had little control over her health. But even through it all, she stayed strong and fought back, going through chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments.

As the disease progressed, she became very weak, losing weight and dropping from 75 to just 30 kilos in her final days. But her spirit never faded. She always told the doctors that she would survive if she kept a positive attitude. In her final months, she needed more care, but she never gave up.

After a long and brave fight, she is now at peace. We trust that Allah, in His mercy, has taken her to a better place, free from pain, and that Allah has rewarded her for her strength and patience.

We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, personal support workers, and everyone who helped care for my mom, especially the teams from the Ottawa General Hospital, Home Access Healthcare, and Bayshore Healthcare. A special thank you as well to those who delivered her medical equipment and medicine, making sure she had everything she needed. These amazing people risked their own health and spent time away from their families to help my mom and so many others. Thank you, thank you and thank you!

We would also like to thank all of our mother's friends who supported her and our family during this time. Since 2023, they have come every day to bring food and check-in on us. Their kindness and help meant so much, and we really appreciate how they were always there for our mother, showing her love and care in so many ways. May Allah protect you and reward you with paradise for all your generosity.

Important Lessons From Our Journey: The Importance of Family, Kindness, Self-Care, and Prioritizing Health Above All Else

My sister and I learned a lot from this experience. Even with all the ups and downs, we stayed together and never gave up. We did everything we could to help our parents and make sure they had the best care possible. We’re thankful to them for teaching us these important values, and we will pass them on to our children. Our beautiful Lina, who is just 1 year old, will grow up knowing that her mother and uncle did everything they could to help her grandparents during this tough time.

A special thank you to my sister and my brother-in-law, Parfait, who made many trips back and forth from Hamilton to Ottawa, even though it meant spending less time with their daughter. Amira and Parfait, Lina will be so proud of you! Thank you both for being such wonderful parents!

Even through all the tough times, one thing was always clear, our mom was always there for us, showing us how to help others with kindness. She spent over 25 years working hard to help Canadians and make life better for others. She truly cared about her job with the Government of Canada and the people she worked with, always going the extra mile. One of the projects she was most proud of was helping with Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy, which was created to help people living in poverty and make sure everyone has a fair chance in life. Her work showed how much she cared about others.

However, this experience has also taught us an important lesson: no job is worth your health. Whether you're just starting your career, aiming for a promotion, or already in a leadership role, remember that your health is everything. Take care of yourself, set boundaries, and know that your well-being comes first.

Her passing has left a huge hole in our hearts, and we know life will never be the same without her. The days ahead will be tough, but we will hold on to the love, strength, and lessons she gave us. She always wanted us to take care of each other and keep moving forward.

This page is a way to keep her memory alive and share support for the funeral costs during this difficult time. Thank you for your love, prayers, and kindness. Every message, prayer, and act of support means so much to us.

We welcome anyone who wants to come and say goodbye to my mom and celebrate her life. The funeral will be held on March 10, 2025, at 2:45 PM at Highland Park Cemetery, 2037 McGee Side Road, Carp, Ottawa. Your presence would mean a lot to our family.

Last words from our mom:

"Always put your faith and family first, and always give back to others. Material things come and go, but your faith in God and the relationships you have with people are what really matter. It's the love you give and the good you do that people will remember."

With love,

Réda & Amira Bourgeois