Dr. Julie Amanda Jardine passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 57, surrounded by her close family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of care, dedication, and deep love for her family and community.

Born on August 2, 1968, in Ottawa, Ontario, Julie was the cherished daughter of Paul and Margaret (“Peggy”) Jardine. She grew up in Ottawa alongside her brothers, Michael and Clive.

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree at Queen’s University, Julie attended medical school at the University of Ottawa. While courageously battling lymphoma, she graduated in 1995 and was elected by her fellow students to serve as student council and valedictorian. During medical school, she travelled to Africa with a group of fellow students to learn about and help improve maternal health care, reflecting her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.

Through years of compassion, commitment and hard work, she built her career in psychiatry. Over the years, she worked in hospital settings and community care, dedicating herself to society's marginalized and vulnerable people. Later, she developed a special passion for caring for student athletes and became one of Canada’s first dedicated sports psychiatrists. She was also one of the founding members of the Canadian Association for Sports Psychiatry. Julie played a key role in building athlete mental health supports in Ottawa and contributed to the education of sports medicine physicians nationally.

As a psychiatrist, Julie’s work touched countless lives, and she carried her vocation with quiet strength and integrity. She was known not only for her professional excellence, but also for the empathy and kindness she extended to her patients, colleagues, and the community.

Julie will be remembered for her intelligence, sense of humor, generosity of spirit, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. She cared deeply about supporting charities focused on international medical care, animal welfare, equitable access to sports, and helping those marginalized by mental health challenges, poverty, and addiction.

Julie’s connection to others was often at the heart of her interests and hobbies. She was passionate about music, played guitar both as a hobby and with friends, and loved attending concerts and sporting events. One of Julie’s greatest joys was travelling, and she explored Africa, Guyana, Europe, and many parts of Canada. She was also a devoted foodie who loved dining out, and she enjoyed watching Korean crime dramas and BritBox series with others. She also adored her cats, Chester, Maggie, and Molly and her adopted pigeons Harold the 1st and 2nd.

Above all, Julie was a devoted mother to her beloved children, Abbey and Van. Abbey and Van were the center of Julie’s world, and she took immense pride in guiding, supporting and loving them unconditionally. She loved cheering them on at hockey games, celebrating their accomplishments, and supporting them through every challenge and milestone. Julie shared raising them with their father, Ken McMillan. Her legacy will live on through them.

Julie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She exemplified courage, kindness and resilience throughout her life.

Julie’s family extends special thanks to all those who supported her with care and compassion, including Wendy and Anthony, Si-Ann, Christa, Kathryn, Tracy, Caroline, Tim and Claire, Chuck and Sarah and Dr. Robyn Marquis. Thank you also to the wonderful palliative care team, Dr. Habibi, and the many public health and palliative care nurses who helped take care of Julie. 

Julie's friends and children want to share a special thank you to her brother, Mike, for the five months he dedicated to being with her and for the exceptional care he provided.

A celebration of Julie’s life will be held at a later date.

In Julie’s memory, and to reflect the compassion she showed every day, the family encourages acts of kindness or donations, in lieu of flowers, to any of the following organizations: Doctors without Borders, Jumpstart for Children in Sport , Cornerstone Housing for Women, Ottawa Humane Society or the World Wildlife Fund.