Obituary of Mary Jane Behrens

October 29, 1942 – Strasburg, North Dakota

January 9, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Mary “Jane” Behrens (nee Roehrich), beloved wife of the late Eugene “Gene” Behrens, who preceded her in death on October 21, 2023, of Calgary, AB, passed away after a long journey through the stages of Alzheimer’s on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the age of 82 years.

Jane was born in Strasburg, North Dakota, on October 29, 1942, to Regina Roehrich (nee Bernhardt) and Clemens Roehrich. She lived on a farm with seven siblings—six sisters and one brother. After her high school graduation, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the age of seventeen. Jane married Gene on September 4, 1965, and added two children to their family, Tracy and Michael.

Jane and Gene moved several times in their marriage. From Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Minot, North Dakota, and then to Canada—first to Winnipeg, MB, finally settling in Calgary, AB. Jane was a stay-at-home mom until Tracy was ten, and Mike was eight years old. She then worked at The Bay for ten years. In 1989, Jane and Gene opened the first of four art galleries and picture framing shops (Avenida Art and Picture Framing Galleries) in Calgary with fifty employees. Jane went from framing art in the garage to creating a wonderful family business. Three years later, Tracy joined them for 29 years during which time, Jane, Gene, and Tracy worked together. Many art shows and artist events, and many hours where some weeks were sixty or more retail hours, particularly during November and December. Jane retired around 2011 but continued to work part-time casually at the galleries for Tracy, who took over the galleries. Then, Jane and Gene spent six months in Florida, travelled, and visited family throughout the United States.

She was incredibly talented and could fix almost anything. Her favourite times were spent building things and working with her hands; from picture framing to building a rail and banister with Tracy, to gardening with Michael. Her father-in-law often gave her tools as gifts to further her passion for building and fixing.

Jane was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved spending time with family and friends, including going out for dinner, to the casino, out for dim sum, and going on vacation. She had a close circle of friends both in Calgary and in Florida, where she spent winters as a snowbird with Gene.

She is incredibly proud of her children, grandchildren, and the family art business. There are so many memories, including Halloween with the grandchildren and spring breaks with the whole family in Florida.

Jane is survived by her daughter Tracy Behrens (Amy) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, her son Michael Behrens (Leslie) of Franklin, Tennessee, USA, and her beloved grandchildren, Audrey Behrens and Kyle Behrens of Franklin, Tennessee, USA. Jane is also survived by all her siblings, Rose, Vi, Patty, Loretta, Danny, Carol, and Shelley. She was predeceased by her parents, Regina and Clemens Roehrich.

In keeping with Jane’s wishes, Jane and Gene’s urns will be buried together this summer in the cemetery of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Strasburg, North Dakota. They had 58 wonderful years together and wish to be together in eternity.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jane’s family here.

In living memory of Jane Behrens, 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: 403-276-2296.