Obituary of Jane Hawkins

May 26, 1946 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

May 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Jane Hawkins (née Baird), 77, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 25, 2024; just one day before her 78th birthday. After a courageous eight-week battle in the hospital, she demonstrated her unwavering passion and zest for life, overcoming each challenge with grace and determination. She was surrounded by the love of her two daughters and the heartfelt support from friends both near and far.

Jane was born on May 26, 1946, in Winnipeg, MB. She always spoke fondly of her time in Winnipeg as a child spent with family and friends. Jane met our dad Barry in high school, and they married shortly after university. They started their life together and went on adventures; living in Paris, Montreal, Ottawa, and finally back to Montreal, where they started their family.

Jane was very social and loved being part of various groups that kept her busy throughout her life. She was a doer. If you needed a volunteer, she was the person to ask. Jane volunteered at our elementary school library, repairing books. She was Brown Owl and later became district commissioner for Girl Guides in Beaconsfield. Her dedication to service led her to join the Canadian Federation of University Women, in which she was an active member her entire life. She ran a Jaunters group, participated in the Book Circle, and held many executive roles. Jane was involved in Beaconsfield United Church, Lakeshore Ski Club, Gourmet Club, Mahjong, Willow Park Golf Course, Newcomers, and much more. She drove us girls to soccer, horseback riding, skiing, piano lessons, and playdates with friends. Travel was a significant part of Jane’s life, taking her on adventures to places like Russia, Bali, Africa, and Peru; to name a few. Later in life, when travel became more challenging, she satisfied her adventurous spirit by spending cherished time with family and friends at her townhome in Lakeview Meadows, Invermere, BC.

Jane's main passion was singing, music was always in our house. From singing in various church choirs over the years to joining Rhythm of the Rockies in Calgary; she was always singing. She was able to sing again in the choir at United Active Living, which brought her so much joy.

Jane was social, creative, loved learning new things, and was passionate about community. Friends have shared that she was a bright and positive individual with a determination that took her far in life. She was a strong and independent woman who loved the finer things and was surrounded by friends who valued the same. After the passing of Barry, Jane was able to forge new friendships, including a particularly special bond with Cam Milligan, who brought joy and companionship to her life over her later years.

Jane is survived by her loving daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren: Jocelyn, Andrew, Graham, and Harrison Zoller; and Laura, Zak, Olivia, and Clara Rathgeber. She is also survived by many friends who have reached out to share their love in these past few weeks. We appreciate being supported by your words, stories, and laughs. Jane was predeceased by her husband Barry Hawkins, parents Arthur and Dorothy Baird, and her aunt Margaret.

Mom, we will miss you dearly. We will carry forward your teachings, living as determined women who love to socialize and continue to sing. Thank you for always being exactly what we needed. Until we meet again, rest in peace.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, 205 Horton St E, Suite 203, London, ON N6B 1K7, Tel: 1-800-265-5106, www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/

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

In living memory of Jane Hawkins, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.