Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nouveau-Brunswick for funeral details
It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected
passing of Jane Kathleen Hayward (Willett) at the Oromocto Public
Hospital on March 4, 2023, following a lengthy hospitalization. She
will be lovingly remembered as a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and
friend.
Jane, the eldest
child of Donald and Dorothy Willett, was born on July 24, 1947, in
Saint John, NB. The eldest of four children, Jane treasured her
relationship with her brother, Gord, and her sisters, Connie and
Dianne. After High School, Jane attended Teachers’ College
in Fredericton and upon graduation, taught in Saint John for a few
years. She was employed for most of her working life at the University
of New Brunswick with food services and would often share funny and
touching stories relating to her experiences there with her colleagues
and all the students she had the pleasure of meeting. This is where
she met the love of her life, Ralph. They married in 1981 and happily
lived in Ralph’s childhood home in Lincoln until 2009 when
they moved into town.
Jane enjoyed being
involved in the community and was a long-standing member of Brunswick
Street Baptist Church, putting her faith in God, above all. Jane was
also a long-time member of the Doris E. Sullivan I.O.D.E Chapter,
serving alongside her sisters and niece. She was also a
volunteer with the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew and the NB
Highland Games and was very interested in her Scottish heritage. She
played the bagpipes for several years and was an avid reader. A
highlight in Jane’s life was travelling with her mom, Dot,
to visit Scotland.
Jane treated her
nieces and nephews with the same love and care as if they were her
own. She lovingly referred to herself as ‘Aunt Jane, the
Pain with the Cane’ and was adored beyond measure by her
‘kids.’ She always seemed to have a treat on hand,
was the first to call on Christmas morning, never forgot a Birthday,
and loved to share family history and stories with the next
generation. Jane loved Oromocto Lake and sailed and cottaged there
during the summer. Many warm and happy memories were made with Jane at
the lake where her contagious and unmistakable laugh was recognized by
all (especially after telling one of her rather cheeky jokes). Her
love of humour can perhaps best be captured by her proudly stating she
was a “hooker” – meaning of course, she hooked rugs as a
hobby!
Jane is survived by
her brother Gord (Martha) Willett and their children Andrew (Stacey),
Matthew (Ruth), and Sara; brother-in-law Dave Doherty and his children
Cary (Rod) Norquay, Ryan, and Denny; and by Dianne (Rev. Paul)
Thompson and their children Nathan (Jim), Joel (Marie), and Leah
(Eric) Giggie. Also, by great nieces and nephews Sophie, Kate, Luke,
Jack, Kaitlyn, Lauren, Naomi, Hannah, James, Ben, Joey, Eli, Henry,
Eloise, Landon, and Talon. Jane was predeceased by her husband, Ralph
Hayward, her sister, Connie Doherty (Willett), and her parents, Donald
and Dorothy Willett.
A memorial service
will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
made to River of Life
Ministries.
A special thank you
to the incredible staff at both the DECH and the OPH. The family would
also like to extend a special thanks to Jane’s niece, Cary
Norquay, for all the time and dedication she has spent in taking care
of Jane while she has been
hospitalized.
1947 2023
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice Jane Kathleen Hayward Willett 1947 2023
obituaries notice Jane Kathleen Hayward Willett 1947 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jane Kathleen Hayward Willett 1947 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
