In Memoriam: Jane Anne Garland (September 14, 1951 – September 17, 2021)
“Jane makes friends with the ease of a nuthatch walking upside down. Her home is a tangle of art, animals, and so many people we should have a new township to fit them all. Without her, half the kids in town couldn’t play the piano or castle a king. And the other half would never have set foot in an art gallery.” – Liz Zetlin, Poet Laureate, Connections
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jane Anne Garland in her 70th year on Friday, September 17, 2021. Dear mother of Rhya (Kyle Sim) Tamasauskas; Kaurel (Cody Maxwell) Tamasauskas; and Kazys (Lauren) Tamasauskas. Lovingly remembered as Mema by her grandchildren: Naomi Tamasauskas-Sim; Lyla and Stella Maxwell. Daughter of the late Marguerite and Melvin Garland. Sister to Linda Collacott, Pat Garland, Greig Garland, Jennifer Garland and David Garland. Aunt Jane to many nieces and nephews.
Born in Grimsby in 1951 and raised in Toronto, Jane graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours Degree) in 1974 and from York University with a Bachelor of Education in 1975. Her teaching career began in Mississauga in 1975 and continued in Grey County when she and her family moved to Priceville in 1983. For 34 years, Jane served in a variety of teaching roles within the Durham District School Board, teaching art, learning resources, and industrial arts. From 1999 – 2004, she served as the Behaviour Class teacher at Macphail Memorial Elementary School. A lifelong learner, Jane completed additional training in special education and behavioural studies.
Jane valued connection and community and gave generously with her heart, time and talent. Jane supported the Flesherton community where she lived and worked for many years.
Beyond the classroom, Jane co-directed and directed the annual spring plays at Normandy C.S., Durham District Community School and Macphail Memorial School over a 20 year period. She facilitated the Rainbows Program at Macphail, helping students develop coping skills for stress, divorce and death within the family. Jane also shared her passion for chess, leading the Chess Club for a number of years, and following her retirement, served as a volunteer for the reading program at Macphail. Jane taught night classes in drawing for adults and sculpture for children, and many area children learned to play the piano through her private piano lessons.
Jane was a very talented visual artist, lithographer/printmaker, and creator of three dimensional pieces and sculpture whose award-winning work was exhibited throughout Ontario since 1976. She participated in several group exhibitions and three two person shows in local galleries over the last 15 years. Her artwork was often a reflection of her quirky sense of humour. In 1994, Jane collaborated with local poet Liz Zetlin to produce Connections, a testimony to the power and strength gained from the encouragement of a network of friends. She served as Board member with the Durham Art Gallery for 10 years and served as Board President from 1985-1989.
Jane’s family extends their thanks to the team at Markdale Hospital who provided compassionate care and support to Jane and her family. A Celebration of Life for Jane will be held on Saturday, October 2, at The Hanley Institute in Flesherton, Ontario, from 1pm-4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Hanley Institute at thehanleyinstitute.ca would be appreciated by the family.
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Friday September 17th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jane Anne Garland Friday September 17th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:FLESHERTON, Province: Ontario