HARTLE, Jane– Our Lovely Jane “Be curious, not judgemental.” We did not know the Walt Whitman quote until Ted Lasso, which we so enjoyed watching together, but that phrase epitomizes Jane’s approach to life. As a little girl, her mother would tell her that she asked too many questions. Jane continued to ask questions throughout her life, which was recognized several times by the doctors at the London Health Sciences Centre, where she spent her final days. She was never more curious than when it came to people. Combined with lack of judgement, it made her so easy to spend time with. Jane listened carefully and always received answers to her questions with interest, genuine concern and empathy. Those who knew her loved her for it. Curiosity also led Jane to pursue an eclectic list of accomplishments. She became well-known as a “foodie” among her family and friends, preparing elaborate and beautiful meals from cultures all around the world. She was a wonderful gardener (plants also loved her), photographer, painter and rug hooker. She had a strong sense of colour that guided her in all of these endeavours. She took an active interest in interior design, which was a natural extension of her work as a visual display artist in retail. Jane had the soul of an artist. She never wanted anything to be less than the best she could make it. Jane skied all her life from the age of three, and was a controlled and elegant skier. As a young woman, she spent a winter in Banff as a “ski-bum.” She was also a competent cross-country skier. She loved to swim, (“I’m a swimmer,” she would say), especially in the North Channel when we cruised there by sailboat and in Lake Huron in front of our home, “The Anchorage.” She biked, she hiked, she walked, she kayaked and she loved to do yoga. However, Jane’s greatest passion was her family. She met me, Rob, when she had just turned 20 and ours was a love story from the first moment we met. She was simply the best wife, friend, partner, confidant, lover and believer. Jane grew from a beautiful and stylish young woman into a classy lady and I was so proud of her. She was a loving, nurturing mother to our children, Matt and Jocelyn. Jane was also a daughter to Margaret and Joe; a sister to Tom (and Sioux); and an aunt to Winston, Luke, Ivan, Hannah and Ryley. When Matt left us, almost ten years ago, it was a crushing blow, but Jane was able to reinvent herself in the community of Lion’s Head, making new friends and pursuing new interests. The world would do well to have more Janes. Curiosity and kindness are her legacy. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
