Jane Vangel

Jean Vangel passed away peacefully on November 17th, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. Born on June 9th, 1941 to Hector and Rose McPhail. She is survived by her son John Vangel (Elaine Diabo) daughter Andrea Corken (Kevin Corken) grandchildren, Corey, James, Mac, Jordan and great grandchildren Marissa and Aeila.

Jean's life journey started in Toronto on St. Helens Avenue where she lived with her siblings Betty, Frank, and Marjorie, Kathaleen, Joe, Maureen, Rosemary and Margaret. As a child and teen, Jean loved to play sports. Baseball, basketball (Ontario champion), golf, and even downhill skiing. You name it, she tried it. It was her love of basketball that introduced her to her greatest love, George Alexander Vangel. Jean and Al married in September 1964 and bought their first house in Guildwood Village where she lived until her passing. Jean loved living in Guildwood and being part of this community. Jean would beam with pride when one of the neighbours or their children got an award, or passed any milestone. In her younger years she would coach baseball and was a constant cheerleader for her team as she wanted every child to feel like a winner. One of her favourite stories that she would tell her kids and grandkids is when the neighbours boys were told they were not allowed ice cream and they replied as a matter of fact, Jean said it was okay. Every time she told us that story her eyes would light up. She would also laugh because her "kids" felt comfortable enough to walk in her house and say "I want juice". They had the same kind at their house but Jean just made them feel special when it was in her cup in her kitchen. She would also tell us about when she first met our Dad. He was coaching basketball and needed players for a game. Turns out, they played the game so well that they were winning by a large number. Dad told her and the other players to stop shooting so the other team could have a few points on the board. Well apparently when Mom said thanks for coaching to Dad he called her a name i cannot print. He thought she was being sarcastic since he really didn't coach much that game. She would just crack up when relaying this to me. Mom and Dad always taught us that it was okay not to be first if you played the game fairly and with integrity. Winning was a bonus but not everything. Having fun with your friends was the real reason to play. She also loved to help whenever possible, whether it was driving a friend to a store, driving a kid to a practice, driving a son or daughter to wherever they needed without question. She just wanted to help.

The best tribute I can say about our Mom is she lived a life where family and friends came first. If they were happy, she was happy. Our Mom always wanted to help no matter what. She will be missed by all, but is happy to be with her true love.

A graveside interment with Alexander Vangel will take place at a later date. A Celebration of Life will also be determined at a later date.