Barbara Jane Forster (née Campbell) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29th in Victoria, B.C.
Jane, as she preferred to be called, will be sadly missed by her three children – Catherine, John and Melanie. Predeceased by her husband of 67 years, John Lawrence Forster (affectionately known as Larry).
Born on June 26, 1933, in Toronto, Ontario, Jane graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music and Paedagogy receiving a gold medal for the highest marks in singing.
Shortly after graduation, following a whirlwind courtship, Jane and Larry were married on September 8th, 1956.
In the years following, Jane, a mezzo soprano, gave numerous vocal recitals throughout Ontario and performed as a soloist with both The Kingston and Lakehead Symphonies. She also performed in a variety of musicals and operas including The Music Man, Camelot, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sound of Music, Three Penny Opera, Tom Jones and Anne of Green Gables.
She commenced teaching piano, voice and theory in 1960 and continued to share her expertise with students until 1984.
Throughout the years, Jane was a member of many choirs including the Pro Arte Singers (Kingston), Whiteoaks Choir (Mississauga) and The Wedgewood Singers (Victoria).
A move to the West Coast in 1990, allowed her to continue her singing career when she joined Pacific Opera Victoria in 1991 as a member of the chorus, performing in 22 operas from 1991 through to 2012.
Her love of music knew no bounds…. both on the stage and behind the scenes.
During her tenure as Vice President of the Toronto Symphony Women’s Volunteer Committee in 1976, she also assumed the role of Co-Convenor of the Dream Auction, a major fund-raising event for the TSO.
While music was Jane’s first love, travel came a close second.
Bitten by the travel bug in 1956, the happy couple enjoyed their first trip abroad, a month-long honeymoon to England and Scotland. This was followed by the planning of many Forster family adventures including a month-long camping trip from Thunder Bay to California and back.
She was able to combine the love of travel and skating as an organizer and tour leader of more than 12 excursions to the World Figure Skating Championships.
Even in her later years, her love of travel never wavered.
A planner par excellence!
Her love of entertaining and hosting parties was legendary.
A talented musician, a passionate performer, a lover of classical music and opera, an adventurous traveller, a gourmet cook and an avid reader are but a few of the phrases that come to mind when describing Jane.
Music was her life, her love and her passion!
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take on Monday June 29 at 2:00 pm at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3821 Cedarhill Cross Rd. Reception to follow at the Church.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the ” Forster” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Dianne Marks
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Helen Malcolm We were saddened to learn of Jane’s passing. My husband and I knew Jane and Larry through the Uplands Probus Club. They were active and founding members of the club. Jane was active with the Special Events committee and arranged many outings related to music and the opera for interested members.
I would like to get a photo that can be used for the Probus Club newsletter. Please contact me by email to send me a photo we can use.
Our deepest sympathy, Helen & Peter Malcolm
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Allan Neale I had the honour to know both Jane and Larry through our common connection with the Rotary Club of Victoria. I admired Jane’s musical talent and her participation in, and support for, Pacific Opera Victoria. She also supported Larry’s unparalleled leadership role in Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program for many years. Together, Jane and Larry were a splendid example of a strong partnership devoted to community service and to Canada’s cultural life. Sincere condolences to Catherine, John, and Melanie. Both Jane and Larry will be missed by us all as role models as exemplary Canadian citizens.
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Barbara Anne Gibbons I will miss Jane’s beautiful hats at Christ Church Cathedral – a real lady. Loved being with Larry and Jane on our fabulous trip to Scotland with them both with Dean Logan – wonderful memories and lots of giggles. To you all – a lovely mom
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Diana Black I was so sad to learn of Jane’s passing. She was a lovely lady and Jim and I were very fortunate to enjoy Larry and Jane’s company on European river boat cruises. I know she will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Jane’s family and friends.
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Donna Corbett Catherine,John, Melanie,my condolences. I took singing lessons from your mom in Kingston in the 1960’s. I loved going to her and carry many of the techniques she taught me as I myself have a career in music. I remember she coached me for my first audition in community theatre and gave me opportunities as an accompanist as I also was a pianist. Her gorgeous voice was rich and emotional. I recognized her face in the photo immediately but my memory sees her dramatic dark hair and wonderful expressive eyes. She was a dynamic and inspiring woman and role model. She spoke often of her family and I know how proud she was to be your mom.
I send my condolences to Jane’s family. Our husbands,Larry and Albert, P.Eng. Hence I met Jane at Engineers Wives. I also remember Jane’s great love of music. She was very talented. Her dinners were special.
May she rest in peace and now she iswith her Larry.