Jane Berry
It is with great sadness that we announce that Jane M. Berry, of Victoria, B.C. died peacefully, at Saint Charles Manor with her friends by her side on January 4, 2014 at high noon. Jane was predeceased by her parents Harry Alfred Berry and Mabel Vivian Berry of Vancouver, B.C.
Jane fought hard to stay in this world but her body simply could no longer recover from the effects of her escalating terminal illness.
Jane will be remembered for living the most interesting of lives. She was a strong, independent, free spirit who lived a life full of adventure, travel, dogs, friends and new experiences. She was inquisitive, elegant and curious in nature. She welcomed all her diverse and eclectic friends to her home with a smile and usually a glass of wine.
Jane’s memorable adventures started as a young adult when she packed up and left the urban life of Vancouver to move to northern B.C. She lived in the Kispiox Valley for several years. During her time in the Valley, she experienced many new and exciting things; building a home on the Kispiox River, hosting music parties on the river, attending rodeos. While living in the Valley, Jane taught for North West Community College in the Business program and as if this was not enough, she also became famous for her pies – hers were the best in the Valley.
Jane enjoyed an outstanding career in the legal profession as a paralegal. She truly enjoyed her time working at Owen-Flood, Turnham Green and Higginbotham of Victoria, B.C. and later working with Peter Firestone. Jane also enjoyed many years of working at Hansard. These experiences were like the ‘80s – it was a time of hard work, partying, disco, and lots of laughter and fun. When Jane left the legal world she pursued many interests; entrepreneur, jewelry maker, small business owner, avid gardener and traveler.
Jane loved to travel with friends. She experienced many lovely, exotic places. In the last few years, Jane wintered in Mazatlán, Mexico. It was her happy place, even when she had to tote oxygen and use a scooter to get around.
Jane enjoyed having many and varied friends from around the world. When you visited with Jane, she made you feel as if you were the most important person in her life.
Jane will be well remembered for her Summer Solstice Slushy parties. But more importantly, she will be remembered for giving inspiration to others; she will be remembered for never complaining and always making the best out of any situation. She will be remembered for her easy laughter and how she appreciated those “oh so good-looking” men that were part of her life.
Jane worshiped the sun, she was a fashion trend-setter, loved music and she loved her dogs, Tyrone, Foster and Jesse. Jane’s day would not be complete if it did not include ice cream and a glass of wine.
Jane was gone too soon; there was no time to say good-bye. However, Jane knew her time was limited and she carefully prepared her end-of-life plans in her usual self-reliant organized manner. She left explicit directions on how she wanted to say good-bye.
In life and in death, Jane did it her way right to the end – she had no regrets, as she would say “Ta daa!”
There will be one more party to celebrate Jane’s life, likely in June around the summer Solstice! We will use the email tree that has been established when details are known.