Jane Lee Conway McAllister

1937 - 2022

McALLISTER, Jane Lee Conway Born March 11, 1937 New York City Jane passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2022 surrounded by family and friends after a big, beautiful life of accomplishments, adventures and love. Born and raised in New York City, she graduated from Manhattanville College with a degree in English Literature in 1959. Arriving in British Columbia in the early 1960's, newly wedded to fellow New Yorker Peter McAllister (div. 1980), Jane transitioned from her big city social life to one of family trips and rural adventures. Weekends were spent bouncing along rugged logging roads to the coast in a loaded VW Van with their quickly growing family, a few Labradors and an intrepid attitude. These were the days when you could drive onto Long Beach, shoot geese for dinner and take over the old Wickaninnish Lodge, activities fearless Jane revelled in. While raising five children, Jane lived in Victoria, West Vancouver, Fort Langley, Vernon and then back to Victoria. Throughout all these homes, being surrounded by animals was a constant; she loved and supported her family's pursuits in Field Trials with her beloved Labradors, Pony Club, fox hunting (no foxes were harmed), 4H, and cattle breeding. She spent countless early mornings milking her beloved cows and goats, riding the range and always tending extensive gardens. Jane was a life-long learner. As her children became more independent, she returned to school for a Master's degree in Linguistics, and ended up moving to Tokyo for a stint teaching English. She was an inspiration to her children to always pursue their passions and never stop learning new things. After running the Carriage Stop B&B in James Bay, Victoria, and writing a book about B&Bs, she moved to the Cowichan Valley, where she spent her 70s and early 80s raising animals, growing food in her massive gardens, and mentoring many marvelous young work-a-ways. We so clearly picture her on her beloved John Deere, ripping around her acreage bringing food to her sheep or moving plants around her pond full of ducks. Jane had many occupations in addition to her incredible devotion to raising her children. She was a financial investment planner, a librarian, secretary and owner/operator of B & B/cottage rental in Victoria and in Duncan. Jane loved playing bridge, was a potter, painter, gardener, community advocate and tireless renovator. Her active volunteerism involved many causes, from the arts to healthcare to the protection of our natural environment. Jane was a lifelong Roman Catholic and her faith was an important touchstone for her. On the open road or on the water, travelling and adventure were in her blood. Putting in a ten-hour open ocean watch on a sailboat or exploring the coast on a multi-day kayak trip, she was in her happy place. Likewise, right into her eighties she would pack up her campervan and solo drive down to Mexico with her trusty rescue dogs. She was a world traveler that explored many remote corners of the globe, from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Tibetan Plateau; new cultures and places were always close to her heart. Jane was predeceased by many beloved family pets, notably Chic Chic, Sweetpea, Bridget, Lorelie, PJ, Presa, Ruffles and many other furry and feathered loved ones. She is survived by her sister Mary-Elizabeth Debicki, her five children: Victoria (Patrick Mallet) McAllister, Peter (Nicole Rhudolf) McAllister, Tim (Maddie Bennett) McAllister, Ian (Karen) McAllister, and Meghan (Grady Sindlinger) McAllister, as well as her four nieces and nephews. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Benen and Maeve McAllister; Sorrel Acacia and Jasmine Van Allen and Hazel McAllister; Raven and Koeye Hart-McAllister; Callum and Lucy McAllister; Cohan and Jasper Sassaman; and Forest McKeating. She also leaves behind her devoted dogs, Celia and Lacy, and many treasured friendships that spanned decades. An inspiring, generous, witty and adventurous spirit she will be sorely missed as a mother, grandmother and dear friend to many. The family is profoundly grateful for the compassion, kindness, love and care Jane received during her last few years. A special thanks to the Kaslo and Nelson medical professionals, her TCMD Leni Neumeier, and the staff and volunteers at the Cowichan Hospice House in Duncan, all of whom expertly welcomed our mom and her loved ones with open hearts. A celebration of Jane's life will be held virtually on June 11th, 2022 at 1PM. The family invites those who knew Jane to please attend, share a story or memory and celebrate her life. Jane McAllister Obituary - Duncan, BC https://newnarrative-ca.zoom.us/j/85418592245 Donations in Jane's memory may be made to Cowichan Hospice Society, Cowichan Hospice House.