We Remember
FLEMING, Jane Isabel BA; MA; MCIP
February 5, 1945 — January 19, 2022
Jane Fleming died peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Missionwood – a time and place of her own choosing.
Jane was born in Hamilton, Ontario on February 5, 1945. Her father, Doug, was a most successful dentist in nearby Dundas.
Jane was predeceased by her parents, Dr J. Douglas H. Fleming – one time president of Canadian Lions Clubs – and Kathleen “Kaye” Ewen; and is survived by her brother John (Barbara) of Oakville, ON; sister, Mary (Larry Ricciardelli) of Hastings, ON; nephews Graham Fleming (Mary Scott) of Waterloo, ON and Miguel Ceron of Toronto, ON; niece Megan McCarthy (Sean) of Oakville, ON; and grandnieces Adair Scott-Fleming, Ava McCarthy, and Cian McCarthy.
Jane enjoyed a very happy, secure childhood in Dundas with weekends and holidays at the family pan-abode cabin on Felsman Bay, Parry Sound. Her education advanced without distinction until she arrived at university, where she discovered Geography – and flourished. Her Masters was completed with distinction at UBC.
In 1973, Jane arrived in Kelowna, BC as Regional and City Planner. After successfully breaking new ground in the Okanagan, she was head-hunted by the City of Edmonton, AB where she shone as General Manager of Planning, meeting and overcoming more than a little prejudice. In 1980, Canadian National Railways sought her out to be their General Manager of Real Estate for western Canada. A move to Vancouver, BC in 1985 brought her closer to her beloved Big White where she owned a unit in Greystokes.
Premier W. R. “Bill” Bennett appointed Jane to the Board of Directors for the Legal Services Society of B.C.; and she was appointed to the Board of Directors of YVR where she played a significant role in developing the superb international airport facility that we now enjoy.
Jane was always powerfully self-motivated, always confident in her decisions ranging from establishing her own consultancy, to investing in good property, and driving excellent cars. Since 1990, Jane has been dealing with chronic disease and increasing, incessant pain. Lyme disease was never resolved; and hypertension, fibro-myalgia, and numerous complex side effects complicated her life which was made as comfortable as possible within the excellent facilities at Missionwood, and the day-to-day support of several aides.
Jane was most happy to locate a happy spiritual home at the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and All Angels in Kelowna, where the ministry of Dean Nissa Basbaum was inspirational. The love and care of many of the St Mike’s congregation have been a great blessing through the past decade.
The family is most grateful for the professional help and guidance of Dr Wendy Wickstrom and Dr Baldwin of the M.A.I.D. Program who did everything possible, and often more than expected, to make day-to-day life worth the living, and its termination a quiet, private blessing.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Springfield Funeral Home, and a Memorial Service will be conducted at St Michael’s Cathedral as soon as circumstances permit. A bursary to reward local female Geography students is being established in Jane’s name and memory. Contributions to this sustaining Jane Fleming Memorial Award would be greatly appreciated: Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society, 316 3001 Tutt Street, Kelowna. 250.861.4980 www.cobss.sd23.bc.ca.
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I met Jane in the late “60’s at Western University when we were appointed as House Senior’s for one of Western’s residences for women students, Spencer Hall. We were undergraduates at the time. We had wonderful time working together contributing to the leadership of the residence. Jane was ever positive, thoughtful and kind. At the end-of-that-year we went our separate ways. I have fond memories of that time and regret not having stayed in touch with Jane. Seeing in the G&M today that she has passed has brought back those wonderful memories of our times together. Rest in peace, Jane. Bonnie Henderson Robinson
I knew Jane when she was General Manager of the City of Edmonton Planning Department (1981-3). As the Executive Assistant to the Assistant City Manager and then the City Manager, I had regular interactions with her.
I always found Jane to be a forthright, knowledgeable and thoughtful person who was not afraid to know that she was correct, and not afraid to admit that she was wrong as circumstances warranted.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Dear Mary and John,
Seems like yesterday that Jane came over to Youbou for our 1975 wedding!.
And her picture sure is the spitting image of your Dad!
Proud of you Mary, for making the trip to spend that time to comfort Jane.
Looking forward to seeing you both – hopefully sometime soon!
Stew .
I met Jane in 1972 when I moved to Kelowna for my first job after university and we rented in the same apartment building. She had just started working as the city town planner and I soon learned of the highs and lows of such a job. Soon after we shared a cottage right on the shores of Lake Okanagan for a year before we went our separate ways – me to Ontario and she to Vancouver. Even in her twenties she was an amazing smart woman and I am sorry that I did not stay in contact with her. My condolences to her family at this time.