It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of the best and brightest lights among us, Jane Delost, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend. Jane passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on May 22, 2020 after a very courageous battle with cancer.
Jane is survived by her loving partner, Tony Ferreira, her beloved son Derek (Meredith), cherished grandsons Leo and Sage, dear sister Valerie, and adored brother Peter (Shelaugh). She is predeceased by her parents, Margaret and J. Gerald Godsoe, and her brother Gerald.
Jane grew up in Toronto and was the youngest of four children. After graduating from Havergal College, Jane received her teaching degree from Toronto Teachers College and Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. Jane eventually settled in Vancouver, where she was an exemplary and inspiring educator, teaching basic education at Vancouver Community College for over 40 years. After she retired, Jane continued to volunteer with various VCC outreach programs and established the Oasis Scholarship in recognition of single parents motivated to continue their educational journey. It was a rewarding career that she loved because of her students and colleagues, and one with which she had a lasting impact on countless individuals through her work.
Jane also loved the arts, which brought her to work at the Vancouver Art Gallery, where she met her true partner in life, Tony. Jane and Tony lived together in the heart of False Creek for over 30 years, where Jane raised her son Derek.
What mattered to Jane above all else was her family, and especially enjoying life as a grandmother to her beloved Leo and Sage. And it is in her role as mother and grandmother that she truly shone. The lessons she taught in joy, selflessness, courage, resilience, grace, humility, and unconditional love will be her lasting legacy, passed down through generations, and living on in our hearts.
Jane’s smile and generous spirit were available to all. She had a joy for life and an enormous heart. Although she had been ill in recent years, she never let it stop her from reaching out to help others, checking on friends and family, and volunteering with causes she believed in.
There are no words to express the hole that is left in our community with her passing, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11:00am at Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 W 45th Ave, in Vancouver, BC followed by a reception at VanDusen Garden (Floral Hall), 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to a cause that Jane was passionate about: BC Cancer Society, local animal shelter, Indian Residential School Survivor Society, BC Children’s Hospital, or another charity of your choice.
Jane will be laid to rest at Capilano View Cemetery in West Vancouver.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jane Delost December 9 1946 May 22 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique