Jane V. SIMPSON

Jane passed away peacefully, at Nanaimo General Hospital on August 20, 2024, surrounded by her family. Jane was predeceased by her parents, John A. Kingdon and Margaret Seabrooke, both of Peterborough, Ontario; and by her youngest daughter, Norine "Rene" Karen Collins (Jason) of Chicago, Illinois. Jane is survived by her beloved husband of almost 65 years, Leander Burton Simpson of Nanaimo; her loving daughters, Anne Maureen Simpson (Mark Asper) of Greenwell Point, Australia, and Carol Lynn Barich (Jay Barich) of Nanaimo; and three adoring grandchildren, Danielle of Paris, France, Lee of Toronto and Sean of Nanaimo. Jane was born in Oshawa, Ontario, in 1939, and moved at an early age to Sarnia, Ontario, where she grew up, was educated, married, and where she and Burt raised their family. She was an active sportswoman all her life, with tennis, skiing and bridge being dominant, and she was an ardent feminist. Her pride and joy, however, was the attention she gave to raising her children and providing them with support and encouragement for their many accomplishments. Jane continued to lavish the same support and encouragement on her grandchildren. She was a successful retailer, owning and operating the Mitton Street Hobby and Toy store for several years. She also served as president of the Sarnia Unitarian Fellowship. Toronto became the home base for 40+ years following Burt's transfer there in 1980, and all of Jane's many interests continued, centered mainly around the North York Newcomers Association and the Toronto Cricket Club. Travelling the world also became a major activity. The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care Jane received from all the staff on the surgical floor of the Nanaimo General Hospital during her last days. The attention she received was magnificent. Should you wish to honour Jane's memory, a donation to the Charity of Your Choice would be much appreciated.