Obituary of Jane Elizabeth Culp

Culp, Jane Elizabeth

(nee Simmons)

21 September 1954 - 28 January 2021

It is with the heaviest of hearts and the greatest of sorrow that the family of Jane Elizabeth Culp announce her passing from this world at the age of 66 on 28 January 2021 at Welland Hospital in Welland, Ontario. Jane was born on 21 September 1954 in Hamilton, Ontario to Douglas and Bernice Simmons, their only child. Jane is survived by her husband of 36 years, Ralph, and their two daughters, Victoria and Hilary, who will miss their Mum dearly. Jane will also be missed by her only In-laws, John and Carolyn Hay and Jane's only nephew Graham and only niece Kiersten.

Jane was raised on 'the mountain' in Hamilton and attended a local elementary school, where she skipped two grades, and then Westmount Secondary School. Jane earned her Bachelor degree from McMaster University and followed that by earning her Masters degree in Comparative Literature at the University of Toronto. Upon graduation, Jane became a high school teacher at Indec North in Bramalea, Ontario for a few years until she married and moved to Manitoba to be with her new husband, Ralph. Jane endured the harsh winters of Manitoba, and later Saskatchewan, before Ralph and Jane returned back to Ontario. Jane rarely complained of the cold in Ontario after experiencing a few Manitoba and Saskatchewan winters.

When Jane and Ralph returned to Vineland, Ontario, she elected to spend her time raising a family rather that returning to the teaching profession. In order to meet people in her new community, she became an Avon Lady, a task that she enjoyed for many years and where she made a number of new lifelong friends. Jane also got involved with her daughter's activities by serving a term as President of The Jordan Skating Club and volunteering with the Jordan Jets Swim Team. Jane could always be found in the arena or at the pool whenever her girls were participating.

Jane was extremely proud of her family and enjoyed all activities with them. The love of family extended to her furry friends. Often called 'The Cat Lady', she was known to have had as many as 10 cats plus a dog at one time. She, also loved music, reading a good book, watching a great movie, knitting, gardening, and travelling. Over the years, she managed to visit all Canadian provinces except Newfoundland. She loved the Caribbean cruises she went on and her numerous visits to Phoenix, Arizona and Florida.

Many years ago, Jane developed a muscle disease which eventually attacked her lungs and ultimately resulted in Jane requiring a double lung transplant at Toronto General Hospital. Although the new lungs performed admirably until the end, the original disease persevered and attacked the rest of her body. Jane never regretted the decision to hay e a transplant, and was eternally grateful to the surgeons that performed the procedure and to the unknown donor who allowed Jane to have a few more years of time with her family. The family would like to thank the staffs of Toronto General Hospital, E.W. Bickle Rehab Center in Toronto, Hotel Dieu Rehab Centre in St. Catharines, St. Catharines Hospital and Welland Hospital for your care and compassion in attending to Jane's needs during her various hospital stays. You are too numerous to mention individually, but your efforts were deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Toronto Hospital & Western Hospital to support the organ transplant program would be appreciated by the family. Please visit www.tgwhf.ca or call (416) 603-5300. Jane always encouraged anyone who has not done so, to register to be an organ donor. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation or memorial service held at this time. Cremation has taken place with internment at a future date. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time when the COVID-19 pandemic has eased.