Jane Elizabeth THORSON

1932 - 2022

JANE ELIZABETH THORSON (Moore) November 12, 1932 - September 21, 2022 Surrounded by family, Jane died peacefully and on her own terms on September 21, 2022. Born in Ottawa to the late Lewis and Evelyn Moore (Rogers), Jane was predeceased by her beloved husband, the Honourable Justice Donald Scarth Thorson, and sister-in-law, Ellen Lahey. She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Jennifer, Becky and Stephanie Thorson; sons-in-law, Patrick Dilauro and Robert Boron; granddaughters, Rachel Gottschling, Abby Thorson and Annika Boron; sister-in-law, Gail Thorson; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Jane attended Ottawa's Glebe Collegiate where she excelled academically and athletically, winning top prizes in math and languages and making her mark in synchronized swimming, curling and other pursuits. She graduated from McGill University with a BA in sociology and languages. Always an adventurous traveller, she worked at Jasper Park Lodge Alberta for two summers, including one in which the lodge burnt down, and later sailed to Europe with a friend, travelling abroad for 3 months before settling down to work, marriage and children. Throughout her life in both Ottawa and Toronto, she was a committed volunteer and took enormous pride in serving her community, from leading Brownies to welcoming newcomers and assisting the elderly. But it was at Toronto's Aphasia Institute, a charitable organization that helps people who have speech and communications difficulties, where she found her true vocation as a volunteer facilitating and leading conversation groups. In 2016, she was recognized for this work with an award by the City of Toronto for over 30 years of dedicated service. In accepting this award, she said "I think it is important to appreciate other people's difficulties in living their lives to the fullest. At the Aphasia Institute, every success, big or small, is celebrated because this kind of encouragement helps people move forward." Jane had a wide social circle and many dear, longstanding friends. She was a talented and personable host, generous philanthropist, marvellous swimmer, avid bridge player, frequent traveller and collector of owls. She was intelligent and loved discussing politics and world events, baking, knitting, watching sports and spending time with family and friends at Ompawah, the rustic but charming off-grid family cottage in Ompah, Ontario that she helped build in the 1940s with her parents. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Tsvi Gallant and Dr. Joshua Tepper for their compassionate care, guidance and support. No funeral service is planned. Memorial donations may be made to the Aphasia Institute or Dying with Dignity Canada.