Jane Nelson Partanen

Jane Nelson Partanen came into the world in Stratford, Ontario on April 6, 1931. After living a long and full life she peacefully left on May 1, 2026 from Peterborough, Ontario.

Born to a school inspector and a former schoolteacher, Jane grew up during the Great Depression and World War II years. A highlight at that time was the wonderful crew of children (of which she was one) at the cottage on Sturgeon Lake. Pleasant Point and the cottage remained a very important part of her life with her first summer there being at three months old and her last being at 94 years old.

As one did in those days, after high school she went to Normal School to earn her teaching certificate. After a couple of years of teaching in Toronto, she moved to Kingston, Ontario and earned her B.A. in Biology.

From there she received the opportunity to move to Boston, Massachusetts to be a lab assistant to post-doctoral biologist working at the Dana Farber Cancer institute. One look at that biologist's blue eyes and she was smitten!

Carl Partanen and Jane Nelson married in Stratford, Ontario on June 24, 1961. Carl had been offered a teaching position at the University of Pittsburgh. Due to the rules of the time spouses could not work together. This lead Jane (a lifelong learner) to turn her post graduate studies to Education. While she was raising 3 young children she completed her M.A. in Education. As those children continued to grow, she began work toward a PhD in Special Education, which she received at the age of 63. A contingent of lifelong friends from elementary school, Normal School, and Queens came down to Pittsburgh from various spots in Ontario, Canada to cheer her on (in a very quiet Canadian manner) at her graduation.

The next 8 years were spent teaching at the State University of New York at Oswego and Nazareth College (Rochester). Jane then continued to work as a post-graduate students at University of Pittsburgh until retiring at the age of 82.

Every step of the way Jane gathered more and more friends. She treasured them and often lavished them with gifts and support. In return she was loved and valued by many.

Jane is survived by her daughters Karen (Irene) and Kirsten, as well as her dearly loved granddaughter Dot. She was predeceased by her husband Carl (2014), her son Richard (1987) as well as her brothers Don (1968) and Bill (2009).

A number of nieces and nephews (and their children) also fondly remember Aunt Jane.

At Jane's request there was no funeral. There will be a graveside gathering at Fife Cemetery near Keene, Ontario at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Queen’s Biology Station ( Support QUBS | Queen's University Biological Station https://qubs.ca/donate ), Hospice Peterborough ( Donate Now - Hospice Peterborough https://www.hospicepeterborough.org/giving-and-events-overview/donate-now/ ), Pleasant Point Union Church ( https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/pleasant-point-union-church/ ) or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.comstockkaye.com