Jane (Exley) Roberts

Jane was born in Kingston, and raised in Napanee, ON. She had a strong work ethic and was always busy cooking, baking, preserving, knitting, sewing, crafting, and volunteering. She lived her Christian faith in her daily life and thrived on quietly helping those in need (as long as she could stay out of the spotlight). When her boys were young, she worked in Sault Ste. Marie in medical offices as a receptionist, secretary, and assistant.

In 1986 she married Don Roberts and soon moved to St. Joseph Island where they built a home and were able to explore their pioneer spirit. Later in life Jane returned to school and became a PSW. She especially loved doing palliative care. Jane and Don enjoyed many adventures in their beloved VW camper van whether it was a couple of nights up HWY 129, a trip to the Oshkosh Airshow, or heading further south in the States.

Jane loved to dance, listen to music, and attend live performances. In 2011 Jane was very excited that she and Don were able to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary with friends and family. Having married Don later in life she never thought they would live to see 25 years together.

Jane was predeceased by her husband Don Roberts. She is the loving Mother of Tolbert and Dawn Stinson (Aaron, Caleb, Emily), Tim Stinson (Becca), Trevor and Jen Stinson (Caitlyn, Alexis) and Stepmother of Don and Tina Roberts, Donna and Norman Langevin (Norm, Tyler, Courtney), Rick Roberts and Deb Jeffrey (Tammy, Wendy, Andrew, Spencer, Brady, MacKenzie), Darlene Roberts (Emma), Dennis and Deanna Roberts (Craig, Lucas), Jennifer and Sam Bouchard (Peter, Paul), Jill Roberts late Bob Downing. Great Grandmother of 22.She is mourned and missed by her “Sisterhood” consisting of her younger sister, Nancy Exley (Clarence), Jean Exley wife of late brother David, and her special cousin, Wendy Poole (Jim).

Jane wanted to ensure that her team of homecare workers, who played an indispensable role in her life over the past several years were thanked and recognized. They both provided care for her and reassurance for us. We cannot adequately express our gratitude to Jenny, Sherry, Karlie, Kim, Donna, Celena and especially Nurse Amy. Jane also wanted to thank Dr’s. Janet McLeod & Booth and the rest of the team of Dr’s that cared for her over the years. Jane spent the last two months at ARCH, where she felt like she was at an all-inclusive resort. We cannot thank them enough for the care they gave her and us.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Tuesday November 14, 2023 from 6 pm until 8 pm at Island Bible Chapel (1331 Littleton St., Richards Landing) and also on Wednesday November 15, 2023 at 10 am with service to follow at 11am. Officiated by Pastor Brian Windle, burial to follow at Mountain Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions (payable online or by cheque) North Shore Health Network Auxiliary Richards Landing or ARCH would be appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Roberts family.

Jane’s Dance History

Jane was born to dance. As a pre-teen in Napanee she took lessons from our local tap and ballet teacher who featured Jane in her recitals, where she danced the Mexican Hat Dance, Sailor’s Hornpipe, Scottish Highland Fling and Russian folk dance, Jane progressed from ballet slippers to pointe and danced in gossamer and peacock feathers, but she wanted a greater challenge to her ballet basics. So, mum and dad sent Jane to summer intensive ballet classes as a resident at Queens University for a couple years where she learned the exacting ballet techniques from the masters. Continuing her learning, Jane took a train to Toronto several times a month for winter ballet classes until a new teacher arrived in Napanee, retired from the Sadler Wells Company in London. Under her tutelage, Jane happily dances authentic ballet a few more years before heading off to Albert College.

But during her teen years in Napanee, Jane lent her talents to our High School Variety Night programs. She choreographed many dance routines for her classmates to perform, including a Spanish “Guadalajara” routine, a 1920s-style “Blackbottom” jazzy number, and even the football team’s comic ballet in tutus!

In her senior years, with declining health, Jane made sure she danced at her grandchildren’s weddings, even if it meant dancing with a cane, or supported by strong young arms. Dancing was in her soul and the joy it brought could always be seen in her happy face whenever music started.

Nancy Exley

Hands Tell a Story

When I was but a little girl

Visiting Grannie’s place,

I thought how different

she looked from Mum,

especially hands and face.

As she sat by the fire

in her rocking chair

Looking so weary and spent,

In my guileless way, I asked her why,

her hands were wrinkled and bent.

She nodded and smiled

and rocked awhile,

then her lips began to part,

and the words she spoke

will stay with me

-forever in my heart.

The hands that you see

before you child

are badges of toil and care,

symbols of love and zest for life

that equal those anywhere.

They’ve rocked a cradle

and cooked and scrubbed,

and ministered to the sick,

of services offered

and rendered with love,

you surely could take your pick.

They’ve fed the hunger

of body and soul

with never a backward look,

the labours of love, counted and told,

would easily fill a book.

You’ve only to look

at the knots and gnarls,

to see I’m no lady of leisure,

but if offered a chance at life anew

I’d live it again … with pleasure!

Zelta Whitfield, Collingwood, ON