Bigelow, Jane Elizabeth (née Dillon)
June 1st, 2021
Peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021, of complications following a fall and subsequent surgery. Daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Dillon. She is survived by daughter, Ann and partner, Joanne Girvan, of London; son, David, of Nanaimo; brother, David Dillon, of Milton; and two grandsons, Ian and Ryan Siess. Jane was born in Toronto in 1928, the year before women were legally recognized as persons in Canada. She attended St. Clement’s School and the University of Toronto, earning a bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education. Jane hoped to open her own camp after graduation but instead taught high school for several years before developing an interest in politics. She served as Vice President of the Ontario Provincial NDP and became committed to feminist and environmental issues. In the late 1960s, she was elected to London’s Board of Control and became London’s first female Mayor in 1972 when the elected Mayor stepped down due to health reasons. She served as Mayor until 1978 and one more term on the Board of Control in the early 1980s. She believed that cities were most of all places where people lived, and was an active supporter of parks, libraries, museums, art galleries and festivals. She often traveled by bike, sometimes with the family poodle Figgy in the carrier, and helped establish walking and cycling trails throughout the city. Jane had a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of women, and long after she left public office she continued to serve as a front-line volunteer for organizations such as Women’s Community House (Anova: A Future Without Violence), The ual Assault Centre, and My Sister’s Place. Jane received numerous accolades and awards including being recognized as a Woman of Excellence by the YMCA-YWCA and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario. In honour of her ninetieth birthday, the City of London named a section of its trail system – The Jane Bigelow Pathway. Jane loved the outdoors, especially northern Ontario. She was an avid reader and supporter of public libraries, and every day began with a cup of coffee and The Globe and Mail. Jane’s children invite you to join them for a memorial walk in honour of Jane this upcoming weekend. The family will begin their journey mid-morning along the Jane Bigelow Pathway between Adelaide Street North and Wellington Road (link posted below) on Sunday, June 6th, 2021. You are also invited to join us for visitation at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, June 4th between 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 5th between 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visits will be staggered. Registration will be required to attend the visitation.
To register for Jane’s visitation, please click here: Registration page for Jane’s visitation on Friday, June 4th and Saturday, June 5th between 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.
To view the location of where the memorial walk will take place, please click here: The Jane Bigelow Pathway location on Google Maps
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jane are asked to consider Anova: A Future Without Violence, My Sister’s Place, or Brescia University College (which will be directed to a bursary for students who were or are youth in extended care society).
If you would like to send a private message to the family please send it to anniekbigelow@gmail.com and uncle_rhino@yahoo.com.
Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, attendance numbers will be restricted. Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols are in place which may preclude some from being able to attend and masks are mandatory.
Charitable donations may be made to:
Brescia University College
My Sister’s Place
Anova: A Future Without Violence
Please click here to send a donation notification to the family
Brescia University College
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bigelow Jane Elizabeth nee Dillon June 1st 2021..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario