It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Jane went to be with her Saviour and is now dancing in heaven alongside her twin brother, Geordie. She passed peacefully, with her daughters by her side, exactly as she had hoped for. A lifelong dreamer, determined optimist, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of reading, Jane’s legacy will continue to inspire and enrich countless lives around the world.

After growing up in Caledonia, Ontario, Jane’s career began as a teacher in the Etobicoke Board of Education and continued in the Peel District School Board. An entrepreneur at heart, her creativity later birthed new business ventures including Yard Cards and The Baby Bookworms Shop in Streetsville. Driven by her vision, Jane dedicated her life to building Baby Bookworms and The Story Garden, trailblazing community literacy programs that offered hope and connection for individuals, families and communities, preferably over a cup of tea.

With an unwavering belief in the power of books to unite, educate, and empower, she taught thousands to read, creating opportunities for learning that transcended age, background, or circumstance. Whether launching literacy programs in underserved communities, making learning fun for her tutoring students, or inspiring families to share stories together, Jane poured her heart into everything she did.

Jane will be missed by her daughters Amy Nagle and Carrie Baker, along with their husbands, her amazing grandchildren whom she loved more than anything, Roger Parent, as well as her sisters, the “Crazy Eights”, loving extended family, friends, and colleagues. Her impact extends far beyond her years, as the seeds of her calling continue to grow in the hearts and minds of those she inspired.

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at PORTICO Community Church in Mississauga on Saturday January 18th from 1:00 – 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a book to someone in need in honour of Jane’s motto – “read with love, read for life.”