Calgary theatre community grieves loss of Jenifer Darbellay in Vancouver tragedy

One of the people killed at a Filipino festival in Vancouver was a former Calgarian who made a lasting mark on the city's theatre community.

One of the victims of the car attack on a Filipino festival in Vancouver last Saturday was Jenifer Darbellay, a former Calgarian who made a lasting mark on the city’s theatre community.

“She was extraordinary,” said Noel Johansen, her husband. “And I think what made her extraordinary as that she affected more people than she had any idea that she could.”

She was described as ‘grace personified’: 50-year-old Darbellay was known as a kind and creative spirit.

She was killed Saturday when a man drove through the Filipino festival Johansen and Darbellay were enjoying with their two children.

Johansen suffered physical wounds as well, but nothing compared to his grief at losing his wife.

“I have an incredible sadness when I’m alone,” he said. “There will be a hole for the rest of my life.”

Darbellay went to St. Francis High School and the Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary before starting her artistic career as a painter and costume designer.

“She created not just art and paintings, but she created community,” Johansen said.

And now, the Calgary theatre community is reeling.

“She lit up the room when she walked in,” said Alberta Theatre Projects artistic director Haysam Kadri. “She became the fabric of this community.

“Her loss is absolutely heartbreaking.”

Darbellay and Alanna Uhrich worked on Shakespeare in the Park productions together. She fondly remembers Darbellay’s ability to create something out of nothing.

“Everything about her was feminine,” said Uhrich. “She was soft, sweet. kind, nurturing. She was a very special person and I’ve never met anyone like Jen.”

An evening vigil and memorial mass started at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, where Calgary’s Filipino community is coming together after the tragic attack to show their strength and solidarity with those in Vancouver, and to help heal from this tragedy.

They’re also praying for the 16 people still in hospital, including five who are critically injured.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money to help Darbellay’s family pay for funeral expenses.