Jodie Zwart

Jodie Marie Zwart

March 6,1976-May 26, 2023

Jodie passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side. Jodie will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her husband Phuntsok and children Kelsang and Dhoba. Jodie was a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend to many. She is deeply loved by her parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Jodie’s passions were for life, people, travel, and pottery. She will always be a bright shining light to those who knew her and those who had simply crossed her path. Jodie will be remembered for her role in the Glebe Collegiate Institute math department as a teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend.

This poem was written about Jodie from a caring individual who watched her from a distance and is a testament to Jodie’s incredible strength.

She has cancer written all over her face

Near bald head

Not shaved to look edgy

Swollen limbs

The skin is holding together a disaster

Thin face

Undernourished no matter what she eats

Everyday

This near bald, swollen, malnourished body

Lugs itself to the school yard

Walking one foot slowly in front of the other

Waiting for the excited kindergarteners

To pour into the yard

Overflowing with excitement

Of another school day done

And all that effort

All that fight

Was for that moment:

To be there waiting

To watch her daughter's face light up

As their eyes lock

She's still here

Her soul shining through

The darkness of her body