It is with great sadness that our family announces the unexpected and sudden passing of our beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt Jane, on September 10, 2025, in her 69th year.
Predeceased by her parents, Don and Anne Maxwell (nee Rodgers), Jane was born in Toronto, the eldest of four. She is survived by her sister Joan (Greg Gimpoli), Andrew, and Peter (Tracy Taylor). She was a wonderful and loving aunt to Mark Gimpoli (Catherine Collins), and Beth Gimpoli, and more recently fully embraced the role of great aunt to Miles and Penny-Anne Gimpoli.
She will be missed by her surviving uncle and aunts, and her many cousins. She will be fondly remembered by close friends Patricia and Pamela Ingold, a friendship that began 49 years ago when they met in residence at University.
After starting out in Toronto, followed by a year living in Quebec, Jane and her family returned to her parent’s hometown of Barrie, a place she called home until her passing. She attended Hillcrest Public School, Barrie Central Collegiate, and graduated from McMaster University with an Honours BA in History, followed by The University of Toronto with a Masters Degree in Library Science. Her career took her to a variety of positions at several companies over the years, and she also volunteered for many years at Royal Victoria Hospital on the information desk.
From a very early age, Jane had a passion for reading. For every book that was required reading at university, she almost certainly read at least two more for pleasure. At no time did she not have a book on the go. She was at her happiest reading to Mark and Beth when they were very young, and continued to share that love with Miles and Penny-Anne, always ensuring that classic children’s books were added to their ever growing personal libraries.
Music was a huge part of Jane’s life. She was a member of the Barrie Central Collegiate Band playing alto saxophone and was privileged to travel to Europe twice with the band. First, a performance tour through Holland, Germany, and Switzerland, ending with the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands in 1974, and in then, in 1975, The Inaugural Festival of Youth Brass and Symphonic Bands in Cardiff, Wales and London England. Following university, she followed in her Dad’s footsteps and joined the Barrie Concert Band, a place where her love of music continued to shine and where life long friendships were formed. She served on the executive as band librarian for 30 years, and at the time of her passing, had been a member for 41 years.
Jane was a fan of the performing arts. For countless years, she subscribed to the Mirvish productions, eager to attend the latest touring production of some of the greatest performances to come from Broadway or London’s West End. If it wasn’t live theatre, she was an avid film buff. Science fictions, fantasies, and the latest Marvel movies were among her first choices. She was equally enthusiastic about Star Trek and Star Wars.
When circumstances allowed, she enjoyed travelling. Her love of history often dictated where her next destination would be. England and the rest of the UK was her favourite. On more than one occasion, she enjoyed an eventful weekend in New York City, navigating her way through many museums, Central Park, and of course, a Broadway show or two.
First and foremost was Jane’s unconditional love for her family. She never missed a family holiday celebration or dinner, and her first question was always, “what can I bring’? We could always count on her for her home baking. She always enjoyed a glass of good red wine, especially paired with some really good cheese. Lunch dates with family and friends were a frequent outing for her. If you ever asked anything of her, she always said yes, without hesitation. Anything from entertaining Mark and Beth for a weekend, to housing Mark through a university work term, to dog sitting Beth’s beloved greyhound, or to just watching over our homes while we were away. She was always available to help out.
Family gatherings going forward will have us asking, ‘why is she late for the party?’ She was a beautiful soul and a lovely lady. As others have said, she was such a conversationalist once you got her on a subject she really loved talking about. Her laugh was infectious, and she brought so much joy to a room. Her absence, support, and friendship will be deeply felt by anyone who was touched by her kindness.
Cremation has taken place. While Jane requested no formal funeral, a gathering to celebrate her life will take place later this fall at a date and time to be determined.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation or The Barrie Public Library would be appreciated by the family.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com