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Jane Elizabeth SOMERVILLE-CASPARI

1949 - 2020

Jane Elizabeth SOMERVILLE-CASPARI obituary, 1949-2020, Toronto, ON

BORN

1949

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Jane SOMERVILLE-CASPARI Obituary

JANE ELIZABETH SOMERVILLE-CASPARI Jane, age 70, died peacefully in her home in Toronto on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 after a courageous and hard-fought 24-year battle with brain cancer. Born May 9, 1949 in Strathroy, Ontario to Agnes and Cameron Somerville, Jane was the eldest daughter of four children- sister to Mary Pennell (Ernie), Neil Somerville (Jackie) and John Somerville (deceased). She was a graduate of Strathroy Collegiate Institute and completed her Master of Political Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. Survived by her loving husband Dr. David Caspari, "favorite sons" Jordan Caspari and Julian Caspari, "daughters-in-love" Sylvia Colucci and Courtney Irwin, and "grand-kidlets" Bennett (11), Gianna (9), Georgia (5) and Collette (1). She was a facilitator of extended family gatherings that she famously called, "hootenannies". Jane lived her passion for life each and every step of the way. She was an eternal optimist with a great sense of humor, and stalwart in her commitment to life's adventures - traveling, dancing, singing, running marathons, and "inventing" family meals. She was a champion of literature and founded Somerville House Books where she innovated a new genre of children's books and toys starting with the Bug Book and Bottle, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for many weeks in the late 1980s. Jane was honored in 1996 as Canadian Women's Entrepreneur of the Year for her many creative endeavours. In the years before her passing, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of being an author with the publication of "My Dog Max is a Buddhist". Her small-town upbringing in Strathroy, Ontario instilled a strong sense of faith and duty that was evident in her love, generosity and commitment to community, whether supporting Lawrence Park neighborhood initiatives or welcoming a wide cast of characters to the family dinner table. Jane will be missed dearly as a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend to all those who surrounded her. In this moment of sadness and loss, we honor Jane and her commitment to life. We are eternally grateful for her presence in our lives. In Jane's memory, the family is planning to establish a reading program for palliative care patients at Bridgepoint Active Care. In lieu of flowers, please contact the family in regard to donations. Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel 416-487-4523
Published by The Globe and Mail from Apr. 18 to Apr. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane SOMERVILLE-CASPARI

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20 Entries

Janice (Cuddy) Tomlinson

April 22, 2025

I have just now learned of Jane´s passing and know that the world lost a beautiful soul. We were classmates at SDCI. Even then, one knew that Jane would make her mark in life. I was especially proud of her for Somerville house books - such a wonderful and meaningful venture. To Mary and Neil, and all of Jane´s family, my very belated condolences.

angelo sgabellone

May 25, 2024

Another reminder today of this sweet lady who graced us with her marvelous talents. So happy to have known you Jane, Rest in Peace, sweet lady. -

ciao angelo sgabellone

Doug Vallery

May 24, 2024

We are so sorry to hear about Jane's passing just now (thanks Julian for the beautiful memory on Linkedin). We last saw Jane at a "Concert at Lyric Pond" a summer or two before the pandemic set in. Yes, as usual, she was gracious and friendly while smiling and dancing despite her challenge. Through the "Boys of '81" involvement in the NT Select hockey program, Jane was a great sport and a supportive and vocal "hockey parent" and a team sponsor. We are thankful for her life, legacy and impact.

Doug and Lauree Vallery

Alan Schwarz

February 19, 2024

I just found out about Jane's passing and I am so sorry. In the short time we knew her she was an incredible woman and very inspirational. Deepest and most heartfelt condolences.

Lloyd Gordon

April 21, 2021

It was a pleasure to have known her. Jane was one of those people who leave a very positive impression which doesn't fade away.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Lloyd Gordon

Planted Trees

February 8, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Susan Williams)

May 4, 2020

I have not seen Jane since her brother John died. I went to school with her sister Mary and would trip upon her from time to time. I admired this big sister of Mary and when I stopped to see Agnes after John died, Jane was the only child home. She was amazing. She and Agnes and I chatted for hours. I admired her so much.

April 30, 2020

My Dear David and family
I am so very sorry to receive this news. I know it was expected but it hurts so much when it really happens.
Jane was a star in my last Mad River Revue presented to the Club in 2011 and she was great! I wish I had known her longer--I am so impressed with her accomplishments. She really loved to sing.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and best wishes

Judy Simmonds

Gertrude

April 24, 2020

Please accept my condolences. Praying for your family Dr. Caspari during this difficult time. God Bless You.

Trevor Dayton

April 22, 2020

Jane gave me my first publishing job moving back to Toronto. She was an energetic, creative, and visionary entrepreneur. More importantly for me personally, she was incredibly supportive - providing me opportunities to develop, take on exciting new challenges, and gracious in recognizing contributions from her team. I am so grateful to Jane for providing me such strong mentorship early in my career and life. She made an impact on my life for which I am forever grateful. My condolences to David, Justin, Julian and families.

Heather Dennison Brandt

April 21, 2020

So very sorry to hear of Jane's passing She was a lovely girl and the years we spent together at SDCI were such fun. We were cheerleaders for the Strathroy Saints. We were always in the same home room at school and were good friends.
My condolences to her family and friends. May she rest easy now.

ELIZABETH and Peter Stinson

April 20, 2020

It was with a sad heart that we read of Jane's death. Please accept our sympathy.

Andrew Brunton

April 20, 2020

Simone and I are very sorry for your loss David, Jordan and Julian. Jane was always so generous and adventurous. She will be truly missed. I have fond memories of your summer trips to North Bay and our many visits in Toronto and at the farm.

Susy Lin

April 20, 2020

David and the extended family - I am so sorry for your loss and wish it had not happened during the Covid pandemic. David I would like to give you a virtual hug and know that I am thinking of you.

Joette Hammett Johnson

April 19, 2020

This lovely human being, so filled with the joy of living, can never be forgotten nor entirely gone. Love to her family and prayers of comfort. Joette Hammett Johnson

Marly & Joe da Rosa

April 18, 2020

Mary - What a loss Jane Elizabeth's passing must be for you and all your family. She was clearly a wonderful, exuberant and creative as well as loving spirit. Our sincere condolences to you, Ernie, her family and all whose lives she touched and who mourn here loss.

Lynne Werker

April 18, 2020

Never to be forgotten for her courage, love of life and enthusiastic embrace of every adventure. What a legacy was wrought by your creativity, unbelievable energy, cleverness and commitment to the world of literature, the arts, to children and so many communities in Toronto.

Jane you will be etched in my memory, an important friend. My heartfelt condolences from the West Coast to David, Julian and Jordan and your extensive and extended family. I was just thinking of you the other day.

Betty McManus

April 18, 2020

Her San Diego friends feel blessed to have known her.

angelo sgabellone

April 18, 2020

My sincerest condolences to Jane's family and friends at her recent passing. Jane and I worked together after a meeting at a Barry Nicholls party in the early 70s at the old Canadian Forum where she was the assistant editor. For the royal sum of $25 per drawing, Jane charmed me into drawing some of the most iconic writers and artists of our generation for her for about two years thereafter. Due to business pressure, I left to work as an art director for Peter C.Newman and Maclean's Magazine in the mid-70s. Back then Jane was a wonderfully gifted talent who radiated with charm and grace. She will be truly missed by the world of literature. RIP sweet lady. -ciao angelo sgabellone

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Memorial Events
for Jane SOMERVILLE-CASPARI

Funeral services provided by:

Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited

1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8