Jill Stevens
When death finds you, may it find you alive.
- African proverb
Obituary
Jill Stevens was born in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, on 19 August 1986. Her vibrant life was tragically cut short on 19 November 2022 in a car accident in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In her 36 years, Jill lived more fully and more wholeheartedly than many do in a longer lifetime. Her life was a rich mosaic of adventure, purpose, and deep human connection. With an unmistakable sparkle and contagious energy, Jill had a remarkable gift for lighting up every room she entered. She possessed an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued—whether they had known her for years or had just met her.
Jill had an enduring love for travel and discovery, exploring 63 countries throughout her life. Her career as a drama and English teacher began in Australia, later taking her to the United Kingdom. Eventually, her passion for exploration led her to a new path as a tour guide with Contiki in Europe, where her enthusiasm and charisma left a lasting impression on countless young travellers.
In 2018, Jill embraced a new chapter, moving to Dar es Salaam to teach at the International School of Tanganyika (IST). There, she not only found a place of work, but a community that became her chosen family. Her presence at IST was deeply felt—among colleagues, students, and friends alike. Jill lived life in Dar with joy, generosity, and authenticity.
In 2020, Jill adopted Marley, a rescue dog from Every Living Thing (ELT) animal center. She poured endless love and patience into giving him a safe, joyful, and comfortable home. After Jill’s passing, Marley returned to Every Living Thing, where he continues to be deeply cared for by the dedicated team who knew how much he meant to her.
Jill will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, her genuine connections, and her boundless kindness. She touched the lives of so many and leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and light.
The Stevens family remain forever grateful for the compassionate community Jill found in Dar es Salaam and at IST, and for the overwhelming love and support from all those who shared in her remarkable life.
She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Gallery
Memory wall
Celebration of Life Service Links
Legacy
Jill's Memorial Garden
At IST, a peaceful memorial garden honours the life and legacy of Jill. Nestled in a quiet corner, the garden features plants lovingly taken from her apartment, preserving a personal connection to her memory. Six striking metal sunflowers shaped in iconic Jill poses, including one that matches her height of 186cm are situated in this space.
'101 Adventures for Jill'
Two of Jill's Aussie friends created a heartfelt project in her memory. They compiled and completed a list of '101 Adventures for Jill' inspired by a list Jill completed a few years earlier. Not only were they pushed outside of their comfort zone on some wild Jill-inspired escapades but they also raise an incredible $5000!! These funds have been donated to TanRAP, an organisation working to improve road safety in Tanzania. This particular donation will support the surveying and repair of the dangerous road at the car accident site. This is a beautiful legacy by turning their loss into a powerful force for change.
The List Adventures:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F101adventuresforjill%3Figsh%3DeG9hamt2czhiN3N0&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ca2da7754f7f149226de508ddce565ada%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638893592479708634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=38ugdsDZBr1qQA%2FkDIFzhc5t6RUYLkL03TbCvrHgMrY%3D&reserved=0
Article Written by TanRAP:
https://irap.org/2025/05/family-and-friends-honour-jill-stevens-memory-through-tanrap-fundraiser-and-adventure-challenge
'I'm Proud of You, Mate' Children's Book
Inspired by an adventure from the '101 Adventures' list, Jill's younger sister Megan has used her grief to capture Jill in the form of a children’s book character. The title of the book is inspired by Jill's frequent words and any funds raised will be donated to Every Living Thing animal center where her dog Marley now lives. This project is well underway, but yet to be finished. Watch this space for updates.
10,000 Steps for Jill
Another Aussie friend of Jill's has also completed an adventure list of her own, including organising, with her dad, a 10,000 Steps Walk for Jill. In doing this, she raised $1000 and has donated to Every Living Thing animal center.
Artwork
In the Performing Arts Centre at IST, there is a mural of Jill and Marley completed by students shortly after Jill's passing. This artwork is based on a photo and gave the students a creative outlet for their grief (photo in gallery below).
In the foyer of the Twiga Apartments, there is a piece of artwork based on Jill's spare tyre cover (photo in gallery below).
Every Living Thing
ELT animal center in Dar es Salaam is where Jill's dog Marley now lives. He is absolutely thriving under the compassionate care of the staff. If anyone is wanting to donate in Jill's name, ELT is a very worthy cause.
www.everylivingthing.or.tz
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