It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother and grandmother, Jane Kyffin, on December 1, 2021 at the age of 91. Jane was surrounded by the love of her family and the spirit of Christmas, her favourite holiday. Predeceased by parents Mable and Fred Evans, husband Jeff and sons Tony and John, she will be dearly missed by her children Mike (Karen), Diane (Robert), Jen (Mel), Patricia (Wendy), daughter-in-law Janice, grandchildren Samantha (Kirt), Michael (Nicole), Matthew (Susan), Amanda, Christina, Chantal (Kim), great-grandchildren Jeremy, Taylor, Amy, Isaiah, Lily Grace, Mia, Bella and Merrick, great-great-grandchildren Autumn Rose, Grayson and Everleigh, many friends and neighbours, and Sophie her beloved cat.
Jane was born on July 5, 1930 in White church, London and grew up there during WWII. She began a career in nursing, joining the Women’s Royal Naval Service before marrying Jeff in 1955 and starting a new life in Canada. Together they raised their large family, living first in Prince George, then Edmonton and Kelowna and finally settling in Victoria, where they enjoyed their home in Fairfield for 46 years. Jane worked at Glengarry Hospital until she retired in 1995. In her later years she found many ways to share her caring nature, reaching out to friends and neighbours, volunteering to provide palliative care, and hosting celebrations and sleepovers for her much-loved grandchildren and “greats.” With her warm and mischievous sense of humour, Jane easily made friends in any situation.
She loved parties and for many years she and Jeff were the first on and the last off the dance floor. Shopping, especially for clothes, was a favourite pastime and her busy calendar always included dates for lunch or coffee with “a little something sweet” and many good times “gadding about.” Fondly known as “Mrs. Click and Flash,” Jane documented the lives of her loved ones, happily sharing the latest pictures of family gatherings, outings with friends, and cherished pets. She loved nature and the sea, and photographing the flowers and colours on her many walks with Jeff through Beacon Hill Park, along Dallas Road and on holiday in England and Hawaii.
Throughout her life Jane spoiled everyone with her generous spirit, especially at Christmastime. Christmas Eve would find her singing carols with Jeff, adding the finishing touches to festive dishes and decorations, and madly wrapping gifts into the wee hours to fill the many stockings crowding the mantel. Gathering together on Christmas day, Jane’s laughter and love were her greatest gifts, gifts she gave in every season.
Jane’s Celebration of Life was held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022 at 11:00 am. There is a gathering post service. We will provide details at the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the SPCA https://spca.bc.ca/donations/makedonation/utm_source=header&utm_campaign=donate or Victoria Hospice https://victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-donate/donate/
Condolences may be offered to the family below. To view service recording click arrow below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Karl Woodward
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Anneke Wijkstra I met Jane in her later life when she moved in Beacon Hill Villa. I’m a recreation therapist there and I wanted to get to know her. That was for me easy, because we had lots in common. Both coming from Europe, being a nurse both for a while and providing palliative. There was always something to talk about. She was always happy to see me coming to work and I was happy to see her because her smile make my day, every time.
Even in the difficult times where we been trough all lately, she always found me to ventilate after every visit from friends or family, how she loved them so much. She showed many pictures from her family and her self.
She was always in for every program I lead and enjoyed every minute from her present.
I will miss you Jane and thank you that I have met you in my life.
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Gill Ellis I met Jane through the Victoria Hospice Bereavement walking group which she joined after Jeff’s death. We instantly hit it off with our shared brand of English humour. I continued to visit her at the house on Chandler and we loved to go out to Adrienne’s tea room for lunch. Her favourite was their chocolate dessert. I shall always treasure the memory of her unfailing sense of humour throughout all her journey from her beloved home to Aberdeen Hospital and then to Beacon Villas. She had the gift of making a home and friends anywhere she was. How she loved to watch the birds come to her bird feeder when she couldn’t leave her bed.
I loved how welcoming her family was to me and all her friends – including us in so many get togethers. I shall miss her – she was one of a kind! My best to all the family, Gill
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Lennor I will always cherish the many months my Roland and Jane met at Aberdeen to become friends.
The special parties around tables we organized, including teaching everyone the birthday card lottery for Janes birthday. Pat, too will recall the smiling faces of all who received a gift that day!
Also that Pat brought Jane to visit Roland once he was no longer at Aberdeen is a good memory.Blessed Advent to you all.
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Megan Hughes I remember both Jane and Jeff many years ago when I was a school friend of their daughter Jen in Victoria. Their house was lively, colourful and full of chatter, laughter and cats. I’m sure Jane will be missed in hearts, minds and for many years to come. From the lovely obit, it was clear she was blessed with adventure, experience, love and a large brood to hold her memory dear. That’s the best a life can get.
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Jacquie Vander Heiden Jane and I first met at the TD bank in Fairfield. We quickly became friends and spent many Sundays together having brunch or lunch and a great visit. I will miss Jane, but her memory will will live on in my heart. Condolences to her family…you all meant the absolute world to her and she was so proud of all of you.
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Stuart, Cindy and Matt Cox It was a great pleasure to be Jane and Jeff’s next door neighbors for the couple of decades we were there. Ah, we miss Chandler’s Green Gauge plums. Many thanks to Pat for babysitting along with our combined sense of loss and yet well wishes.
Jane I will miss our visits, your great sense of humour and your great love of life, family and friends. The world is a better place because you were in our lives. Thank you Jane. My thoughts are with you and your family.