With profound sadness and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of Jane, our much-loved wife, mum, Nana, sister, niece, auntie and friend, aged 64.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Brendan; her daughters, Kate (Nicholas) and Tessa (Bryan); her beloved grandchildren, Sophie (8), Owen (6) and Theodore (4 months); and her lifelong best friend, Val. She also leaves her brothers, Tony and Peter; her nieces and nephews, Jack, Joe, Dan, Ruth and Rachel; her beloved Auntie Beryl; and family and friends in England and Canada. Her dog, Oliver, her three-legged cat, Daisy-Mae, and her granddog, Peach, held special places in her heart.

She was predeceased by her mother, Theresa, and her father, Vincent. We like to imagine them together again, with her beloved dog, Elmo, eagerly waiting at her feet, pig’s ear in mouth.

After immigrating to Canada in 1986, Mum worked as a nanny, taking great pride in caring for children and treasuring the families who welcomed her into their homes. Among them, Heather and Bruce Newsome and their three children, Matthew, Peter and Katrina, became especially dear to her. What began as a nannying role grew into a lifelong friendship and cherished family connection. Mum loved them all deeply.

Mum met Brendan while working at the Halifax Building Society, where he was a customer. Although life took them in different directions, they always kept in touch. Brendan worked on cruise ships, and years later, they met again in Vancouver. Their friendship grew into love, and Brendan moved to Canada to be with her. They married on 4 March 1992.

In Burnaby and later in Ocean Park, Mum raised her two daughters while working part-time as a banker. She created a warm, welcoming home and took great pride in their much-loved rancher. Dad helped her build the dream kitchen she adored, where countless homemade meals and baked treats were prepared and shared. No one ever left Mum’s home hungry.

In 2014, Mum was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. She never allowed it to define her. She placed great faith in positivity and faced treatment with courage and determination, eventually reaching remission.

In 2017, Mum and Dad moved their family to Vancouver Island, embracing island life and making new memories together.

When the cancer metastasized in late 2021, Mum was told her time would be short. Over nearly five more years, she endured treatment and setbacks with extraordinary resilience, making the most of precious time with the people she loved.

Oh boy, was Mum ever stubborn. That stubbornness was legendary. It could exasperate us, make us laugh and leave no doubt about exactly what she thought. It was also part of the determination we knew and loved so well.

She loved a good book, a glass of wine and being surrounded by her family. To Sophie, Owen and Theodore, she was their much-loved Nana. Sophie and Nana were best friends, sharing secrets, laughter and a special understanding that belonged only to them. Nana was Sophie’s safe place: someone she could always turn to, knowing she would be listened to and loved unconditionally. Their bond will remain one of the most treasured parts of Sophie’s life.

Nana kept a special box of chocolates and sweets just for the children. Their mum would tell them, “No more candy,” only to hear Nana whisper moments later, “Don’t tell your mum,” as she “secretly” slipped them more treats.

We hope that wherever she is, the books are good, the wine is lovely, the glasses are generous and nobody is suggesting she has had enough.

Mum saw first-hand how stretched nurses and health-care staff were. She was a passionate advocate for nurses and believed they deserved respect, recognition and support. She never forgot those who cared for her and was deeply grateful for the kindness they showed both her and our family.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lucas Pugh, Mum’s orthopaedic surgeon, and the team at ReBalance MD for improving her quality of life over the last five years.

We are deeply grateful to her oncologist, Dr. Sean McKay Fenlon Addison, and the oncology nurses at BC Cancer in Victoria for their care over the years. Mum spoke of them with great fondness, and we will always remember their compassion and dedication.

Our sincere thanks also go to Dr. McLurg, Mum’s family doctor, for her years of kindness and support.

We thank BC Emergency Health Services, the Colwood Fire Department and the Victoria General Hospital Trauma Team for caring for Mum while respecting her wishes and keeping her comfortable.

We will miss her more than words can say. In her honour, raise a glass, share a story, read a good book and hold your loved ones close.

A celebration of Mum’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, or honour Mum’s advocacy by supporting BC nurses and the BC Nurses’ Union in their efforts to improve our health-care system.

Forever loved. Always our mum.

T’ra, love.

Offer Condolence for the family of Jane Mary Atherton

Print Obituary & Condolences