Our vibrant, glamorous mom left this realm on May 1, 2025, in Victoria, BC. It was a peaceful passing on a beautiful spring day. She was surrounded by love and laughter in her final days and had her three children by her side. She died as she lived, with dignity and grace.
Janice Eleanor Mumford was born on February 23, 1945, in New Westminster, BC. Her proud parents were Leonard and Millicent Mumford, and they were thrilled to have a girl and a sister for big brother Bob! She was rarely called Janice; she was Janie to her loved ones and Jane to everyone else. But she was never a plain Jane.
The Mumfords moved to Calgary, where Jane spent her childhood, followed by a family move to Edmonton in her teens. She discovered a passion for dancing and performing that carried through her life.
It was in Edmonton, while working at the Royal Bank, that Jane met our dad, Jean Krieger. Our parents moved to Red Deer and then settled in Calgary. They made their home in Kingsland, where they formed lifelong friendships on Kelvin Place. Our parents raised a family, started a business, and hosted many gatherings with friends and family. Our friends often commented on how warm and welcoming Jane was, and how much fun they had spending time at our house. There was always room for one more at the dinner table. It was a happy time for our family.
Beyond being a busy mom, Jane helped run the family business (Boswell Krieger Property Management), taught aerobics at the Calgary Jewish Centre, and found another passion in volunteering. She particularly enjoyed her time at the Calgary Children's Hospital gift store.
After nearly 40 years of marriage, our parents separated, and Jane moved to Victoria, where she began her courageous second act. She started volunteering with Target Theatre and discovered a yearning to return to the stage. She began acting in her early 60s, landing her first big role in The Cemetery Club at Langham Theatre. She took acting lessons, signed with an agent, and worked in TV and print ads. We were so proud of her. She showed us that it's never too late to follow your dreams, and to try new things, even if they're scary.
It was during this time that she reconnected with her high school friend Bill Coull, who had always harboured a not-so-secret crush on her. It was a beautiful time in their lives. They were married in 2010 and remained together until Bill passed in 2019.
The last few years of Mom's life had their challenges, but there were bright spots too. She loved seeing her children. She received excellent care at Amica on the Gorge, and she and Melissa especially enjoyed music bingo with Amanda Blanchard. She flourished in her sessions with Valérie Leroy, a wonderful dementia specialist, and in visits with Carol Crossini Alves on weekends. She turned 80 in February, and we had a small gathering of loved ones. The weekend before she passed, we had a family party in Victoria to celebrate Chris's recent marriage to Lili. She enjoyed her last gin and tonic with her dear friend, Pat Brown.
We are grateful for the wonderful health care she received. Our mom and our family were always treated with kindness and compassion. Thank you to all the hardworking healthcare workers we interacted with over the years.
Jane is survived by her son, Chris Krieger, and his wife Lili; her daughters, Sheri Fedayko and her wife Nancy, and Melissa Krieger and her husband Nick. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Alexandria Laing and Colin Laing. She will be missed by her nieces, Darmody Mumford and Cara Mumford, and her dear cousin, Charlene Dokken.
We will always remember her warmth, style, and sense of humour. She taught us to be kind, charitable, and fashionable. She was the best mom and will live forever in our hearts. She gave the most thoughtful presents and was known to have a collection of fun cards to send out for any special occasion. We look forward to seeing her in the stars, in our dreams, and, if we're lucky, as a spirit. Mom believed in ghosts, and we will look for her presence.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Eldercare Foundation in Victoria, BC.
We will be celebrating Jane's life in Calgary on the afternoon of June 29. If you would like to join us or offer condolences to the family, please email Melissa at
[email protected].
Published by The Times Colonist from Jun. 7 to Jun. 9, 2025.