Jane Victoria Simpson

Jane passed away peacefully at Nanaimo General Hospital on August 20 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 forty plus 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.