Obituary of Jane HEGI

February 16, 1926 - December 27, 2020
Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sorrow our family announces the passing of our much-beloved mother at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at the age of 94 years, with her youngest daughter Beverly at her side. 

Jane was born in a single house in Calgary, AB.  She spent her youth and early married life (1926-1961) in the Chancellor and Standard, AB region, where her parents and grandparents were farmers.  She married Bernard Hegi in June 1945 whose family were also farmers in the region.  There was lots of planting, harvesting, canning and meals to cook, which Jane delivered to the men in the fields.  Her children have always known she is the most marvelous cook in the world.  Several trips were taken to Los Angeles, USA where her parents had a winter home. 

In 1961, Jane, Barney and their family moved to Calgary.  Many days were spent meeting for lunch with old friends from the farm, new friends made in Calgary and her family.  Jane and Barney purchased a cabin at Chestermere Lake, AB.  Many wonderful days were spent swimming and boating in the summer and ski-dooing in the winter.  They eventually bought another lot and Jane custom built her dream house.  The family loved to get together for many special occasions and barbeques.  She loved playing bridge and joined a bridge club.  Playing board games and cards were a major part of family entertainment and Jane was a master at gin and cribbage and continued to play during the (eight) years she resided at Bethany.  Yahtzee became the most played game over the past few years.

Jane enjoyed city life - loved shopping, joined a bowling league, curled at the Big Four, danced and dined at the Elks Club and celebrated New Year’s Eve more than once in the main ballroom at the Palliser Hotel with her husband, Barney.  In her late 60’s, she participated in a contest to walk to Vancouver from Calgary and she physically walked the whole distance around Calgary.  She won and was presented a prize for completing the walk.  Jane was able to pursue her passion for swimming by becoming a member of several health clubs over the years and continued to swim until her mid 80’s.  She was truly a world traveller who visited many places, including Hawaii (her favourite), Morocco, Europe, Mexico, Alaska, and at least thirty of the United States.  She was an oil painter and painted many beautiful mountain scenes and landscapes and sold some of her masterpieces. 

Jane moved into Bethany Continuing Care (2 South) on November 6, 2012, and she made it her home.  Special thanks to Nurses, Saeda, Kenni and Linda, Care Worker, Mohammed and Food Services, Amaresch.  She truly loved each and every one of you.  Phil’s twice a week for supper was Jane’s favourite place to eat and she loved laughing and talking to the girls who worked there. Stephanie, An, Frances and Brooke - she was always so happy to see you and get your hugs. 

Jane adopted and helped children from other countries.  She received letters from them and regular updates regarding their lives.  Throughout her lifetime, Jane supported many different charities and people in need.  She contributed to the World Wildlife Federation and the Animal Humane Society for many years.  She was a giving soul…

“Where did you come from, baby dear?
Out of the everywhere into here.
Where did you get those eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.”

Surviving Jane are her children, Judith (Greg) Cox, Lynda Chapman, Thomas (Christine) Hegi and Beverly Hegi; grandchildren, Marilyn, Shawna, Trevor, Wade and Colin; and great-grandchildren, Callum, Chloe and Sadie. 

Jane was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Zola Fenske; husbands, Barney Hegi and Ben Toews; brother James Fenske, and son-in-law Sydney Chapman. 

Jane’s family will celebrate her life with a private memorial.  There will be no funeral service, at her request.   Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Jane’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Jane Hegi, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.