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    Celebrating the life of

    Jane Elizabeth Somerville-Caspari

    Family and friends

    SOMERVILLE-CASPARI, JANE ELIZABETH – aged 70, died peacefully in her home in Toronto on Tuesday April 14 after a courageous and hard-fought 24-year battle with brain cancer. Born May 9, 1949 in Strathroy, Ontario to Agnes and Cameron Somerville, Jane was the eldest daughter of four children- sister to Mary Pennell (Ernie), Neil Somerville (Jackie) and John Somerville (deceased). She was a grad... more

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    9 Nov 1949

    Jordan Caspari Jane at 6 months old

    1 Sep 1965

    Julian Caspari From the Pi Phi Angles: The Phi Beta Phi Fraternity We met at a Pi Phi alumnae gathering in 1992 and there was an instant attraction. We had graduated from various universities in the US and Canada, and we ranged in age from our 40s to 70s. Yet we had an instant “Sister”-type bond. Was it the common values? Was it the common interests? Was it an intangible Pi Phi bond? Whatever it was, we all felt so comfortable and at home with each other on a personal, emotional and intellectual level that we became fast friends. We initially met in each others' homes, then migrated to monthly movies followed by spirited intellectual discussions over dinner. Jane was always a very lively leader in our discussions. Her intelligence, knowledge and experiences were evident. She stated her facts with assurance, grace and insight. Jane always had a new direction to pursue in our quest for ideas or theories. When Jane spoke we knew we should listen well. We knew we would learn from her. Her charm, her grace and her humour shone through every discussion and gathering. She was a wonderful facilitator of ideas and of people. She is a special Pi Phi Sister who we will keep dear in our hearts forever.

    9 May 1967

    Mary Somerville Pennell Four teen “angels”, John, Jane, Mary and Neil. 1967

    15 Aug 1967

    Julian Caspari Family portrait. Sunday best. Strathroy, Ontario

    1 Sep 1971

    Julian Caspari Early days romance

    1 Aug 1974

    Julian Caspari

    11 Nov 1977

    Jordan Caspari Wedding cigars!

    11 Nov 1977

    Julian Caspari Wedding wonders

    11 Nov 1977

    Madeleine Litchfield I came across this picture. I have so many more but this reminds me of Jane in the early days .........❤️

    1 Apr 1978

    Julian Caspari California dreamin’ 1978

    31 Oct 1979

    Jordan Caspari Jordan is born. Born to run with Jane.. you wouldnt guess it based on this picture!

    1 Jul 1980

    Julian Caspari The original hootenanny, founded in Strathroy, ON

    1 Jun 1983

    Jordan Caspari Dinnick Crescent is born, a lifetime project for Jane and David!

    Jul 1983

    Manon Racine Jane & Goofy at DisneyWorld

    Jane, You’re a warm presence in my earliest memories, my first experiences hanging at someone else’s house, slipping for a few hours into the rhythms of another family. I remember you as the essence of Cool Mom, bursting with interests and interesting projects (that bug kit!). I remember family meals, both serious and fun, which felt special to joi...

    Adam BarnardSep 1983

    Memory of Jane Jane and I first met at Western and my memory of her back then is of a bright and engaging young woman with lovely, long blonde hair. Fifteen years later our paths crossed again when Jane adventurously decided to publish my first children’s book with co-author Cindy Blakely. Doug Pepper, who went on to become publisher of McClella...

    Susie Drinkwater1984
    31 Oct 1985

    Jordan Caspari Halloween at 24 Dinnick

    1 Sep 1987

    Julian Caspari All you need is mom

    So many memories of Mrs Caspari for me growing up around the corner. Walking home from Bedford with Jordan I would often not make it home and spend the evening playing at his house. It was the cooler house (with better video games) and I was always welcomed to stay for dinner! We would also often walk to school together and I remember we were lat...

    Tom Vandewater1988
    6 May 1989

    Madeleine Litchfield So many wonderful memories. We all went to Liz’s art exhibition in Toronto - I’m not sure when this was

    Mar 1991

    Julian Caspari Captain Jane!

    10 Mar 1991

    Julian Caspari Making dinosaurs cool again...

    10 Oct 1991

    Madeleine Litchfield I loved Jane’s humour - again 1990s

    12 Oct 1991

    Madeleine Litchfield Here were were at the actual stand. Book Fair. Milan 1990s

    14 Oct 1991

    Madeleine Litchfield Jane and myself at a book fair in Milan in 1990s. Jane sent me this photo with that sticker on it about glasses. We had such a good time

    1 Jun 1992

    Madeleine Litchfield Such fun with Jane and Mary. A real hoot when they were together - in the woods somewhere near the farm. I think it was 1990s. ❤️

    1 Jun 1994

    Jordan Caspari Editorial Jane, captioned "bring it on!"

    12 Aug 1995

    Julian Caspari Justin and Nicole's wedding at the Donalda Club

    1 Jan 1996

    Julian Caspari Curaçao New Year’s Eve

    10 Oct 1998

    Julian Caspari DC Marathon

    After sadness and tears, each of these photos made me smile. Am sure Jane wants to be remembered this way, with smile and joy. Thank you Jane for crossing our life. Luv

    Cinzia Mastrorocco2000
    15 Aug 2000

    Stefano Capelli I’m so frustrated because my poor English cannot explain properly what I feel now. I’m thinking in Italian and trying to translate all good memories I kept from Canada. From the very first evening, when we met and I spoke my clumsy parlance in your kitchen. But with Jane and Dave we felt at home from day one, being part of your ‘family’ and not only tenants in your basement. And the same happened when you generously host Martina; she was so excited and she had wonderful days with you. Always and forever. Here they are: Jane teaching Martina to play croquet at old Stone House. Jane was such a rich person, a curious citizen of Planet Earth and a lovely landlord. I neatly remember sunny afternoons, driving back to Dinnick Crescent and seeing Jane and Cinzia sitting on garden stairs, sipping a glass of French wine: the empathy and savoir-vivre we loved in her. Ciao Jane…

    31 Dec 2001

    Jordan Caspari Dinnick Crescent was always open for "business". Mom was happy to have the party nearby :)

    11 Apr 2002

    Julian Caspari Tuscan8s always brought Mom so much love and laughter

    4 Jul 2002

    Julian Caspari Dancing at dinnick

    1 Aug 2002

    Jordan Caspari Henry's Fish & Chips Run, Georgian Bay. The BEST memories from Ewing Island. Mom in her big glasses, well before they were trendy!

    15 Aug 2002

    Julian Caspari Runnin' Chicks!

    8 Sep 2002

    Julian Caspari Lil Becky's Wedding! Cutting a RUG

    1 Jun 2003

    Julian Caspari hostess with the mostess

    8 Mar 2004

    Helene McQuigge Holidaying in the Dominican Republic Mar 2004! Don is taking the picture ! No Selfies in those days!

    10 Apr 2004

    Julian Caspari Mom and Gemma preparing for the Washington marathon

    15 Sep 2004

    Julian Caspari In stride and determined

    7 Aug 2005

    Julian Caspari Full to the brim

    Sep 2005

    Nora Adamson Always sassy and beautiful, as Jane enjoyed Croatia and the cruise along the Dalmatian coast.

    12 Oct 2006

    Julian Caspari Community Mom planting trees

    16 Sep 2007

    Julian Caspari Never missed a birthday month!!

    14 Dec 2007

    Julian Caspari Max and Berkeley are waiting at heavens windows, wagging their tails, knowing that mom is on her way home

    1 Feb 2008

    Julian Caspari Haka!

    2 Jun 2008

    Jordan Caspari Extended family together at 150th party

    2 Jun 2008

    Jordan Caspari Dancing with brother Neil at 150th Anniversary Party!

    10 Jun 2009

    Diane McQuaig The Ride to Conquer Cancer. So many memories of riding together and sharing stories and laughs. I will miss dear Jane and her love of life. Godspeed my remarkable friend.

    1 Jul 2009

    Jordan Caspari Come on now Bennett, get with the program..

    26 Sep 2009

    Julian Caspari Celebrating a musketeer's birthday with his "special friend" (at the time...)

    17 Nov 2009

    Jordan Caspari First time grandparents :)

    30 Dec 2009

    Jordan Caspari New Years Eve with the cousins. Tartan to boot!

    2010

    Kristina Finch I’m not sure I have words. You are loved Jane, you are incredibly missed

    14 Feb 2010

    Julian Caspari Turks and Cacaos

    21 Mar 2010

    Jordan Caspari Beaching it. Somewhere fun Im sure!

    20 Sep 2011

    Julian Caspari Grandma Jane's favorite activity with the kidlets

    Oct 2011

    Gemma Connolly Special memories of Jane - Big Sur run, California, in 2011 and a side trip to San Diego to visit Mary. Jane was so generous to her friends, always sharing her time and wisdom, her beautiful family and friends. Jane will be forever in our hearts.

    1 Jan 2012

    Michelle Marquit One of the wonderful family times shared at the farm

    1 Jun 2012

    Michelle Marquit Jane was the best at bringing family and friends together!

    2 Jun 2012

    Julian Caspari A knot tied wet, never comes undone...

    2 Jun 2012

    Michelle Marquit My friend, my family, my non-biological twin - so many memories over so many years, all filled with your warmth and love. I will miss you forever.

    5 Jun 2012

    Michelle Marquit

    5 Jun 2012

    Michelle Marquit A loving Granny

    20 Jun 2013

    Helene McQuigge Stagette Party on "The Hill" for one of the "Cooking Chicks"

    Jul 2013

    Lynn Damp Celebrating Jane’s successful treatment at Dinnick. Jane enriched our lives , even the most boring activity was fun with Jane. Admired and loved by so many, we miss you Jane. Lynn Damp

    16 Jun 2014

    Larry & Lynn Green The only photo I have of Jane while attending her Aunt Becky's internment. Jane was a tower of strength throughout her aunt's illness.

    10 Jul 2014

    Julian Caspari Tuscanite Toga Party

    25 Aug 2014

    Martina Capelli Sailing away... ❤️

    Mar 2015

    catherine olsen We loved her sense of humor! Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

    Mar 2015

    catherine olsen My beautiful friend Jane & the amazing David traveling with us in Brazil in March 2015

    15 Jun 2015

    Julian Caspari The sassy spectacles and spandex biker gang

    Jul 2015

    Jackie Somerville Toronto Island shenanigans...Jane in the drivers seat ... with Jackie and Mary ❤️

    27 Jul 2015

    Mary Somerville Pennell Jane was our family historian and a bit of a pack rat. On a memorable cruise in 2015 along the Sunshine Coast in BC she arrived with mementoes of my childhood. Always thinking of connections and finding fun in life. I love you sweetie. Mary

    10 Sep 2015

    Jordan Caspari West Coast daughter in love.

    2016

    Joan Ritchie Driving water buffalo to pump irrigation system (India).

    2016

    Joan Ritchie Trip to India

    16 Apr 2016

    Sharon Mah-Gin Jane, aka Running Chick! You were a caring, generous and inspirational friend whom I (and many others) shared many laughs with due to your fun sense of humor! We started our friendship among 30,000 runners at the Jean's Marines marathon in Washington, DC- we each lost our running partners on the course but found each other for the next 5 hours and when we crossed that finish line you said we would be friends forever! And we are- you will be forever in my heart! Thank you for the laughter, runs and treasured memories! Rest in peace my dear friend. Much love, Sharon xoxo Jane was a very good friend and generous friend to me and I will miss her. She always encouraged you to do your best and led by example. I will miss her. Jane is in a better place now and may she rest in peace. Love, Gemma Jane was an amazing, inspiring and kind person. She was always positive and optimistic. So sad she has left us. Love, Kerri Jane was one amazing lady, we all have so many beautiful memories to cherish. Love, Anne Jane was an amazing woman! She had an unbelievable positive personality, and she was also generous and kind. She seemed to have lots of energy when others had none. I drove Jane home once after a day of treatment at St. Margaret's hospital. She was not tired so we made a stopover both at the bank and at a store on the way home. Jane was truly inspirational! Love, Kerstin Skold_Mohammed, one of Jane's running chicks! Jane was a brave and fearless lady and we will miss her alot. May she rest in peace. Love, Irina Jane was a beautiful human being, inside and out. Love, Shireen Jane we will miss you alot and have some lovely memories to treasure! In gratitude, Marguerite Jane you have left us with a lot of fond memories to cherish- you were an amazing person and friend. Thank you! Love, Geri

    18 Apr 2016

    Manon Racine Dinner at Jane's & David's.

    May 2016

    Nora Adamson We have so many fond memories of our dear, dear friend Jane. Our travels together took us to so many exotic places. Jane was unique - full of adventure, curious, talented, creative, determined, always optimistic and never gave up. She was full of life and love. We are so honoured to have been part of her journey. This picture shows Jane and David with their leader, all ready to ride their camel into the Moroccan desert to see the sunset. The very best of memories with Jane. We loved her dearly and miss her terribly. Nora & Peter Adamson

    7 Jul 2016

    Julian Caspari Always dreaming of puppies 💗

    17 Jul 2016

    Julian Caspari Grandma showing the kidlets her Strathroy bicycle collection

    20 Dec 2016

    Diane McQuaig Our annual Chicks and Dicks cooking club Christmas dinner. Jane so loved to sing to the piano music. A happy memory of our girl...

    20 Aug 2017

    Michelle Marquit A fantastic few days together with an afternoon on the boat, swim, picnic, nap - great memory!

    Dec 2017

    Nina Keogh Rex's birthday

    2018

    Joan Ritchie RBC Run

    4 Feb 2018

    Manon Racine SnowShoeing at the Farm

    5 Apr 2018

    Julian Caspari Pucker up grandma!

    10 Sep 2018

    Julian Caspari Papas 70th bday

    25 Dec 2018

    Julian Caspari Christmas 2018

    Jan 2019

    Deirdre Finigan January 2019. Jane, David, Emmy and I on a memorable holiday in Costa Rica.

    9 May 2019

    Rex Hagon What a wonderful memory: Jane's 70th where we shared stories, laughter and song. Jane was a creative and beautiful force to be reckoned with, and will be sorely missed.

    12 Jun 2019

    Julian Caspari Generations ✨✨✨

    15 Aug 2019

    Sharon Mah-Gin And here is one with Gemma in it! We were thinking of you!

    21 Nov 2019

    Julian Caspari Precious time with Baby Ceci

    Dear David and family, We’re so very sorry for your loss. Jane was a bright light. She was a most gracious, and gifted lady. She had abundant energy and she sure knew how to have fun. So many sweet memories of times spent with Jane. But, what strikes us most, is the unwavering positivity she managed to portray throughout her illness. Sh...

    Donna Cohen15 Apr 2020
    15 Apr 2020

    Jordan Caspari Playing in the park

    Jane Somerville and I were classmates at SDCI. I called her "Jane, baby," and she would reply, "Jim, baby" to me. I was in love with her, of course, but then I would think that any right-minded boy at SDCI at that time would be. I especially remember that she was the first girl at SDCI to wear a mini- skirt. It was made of dark-green corduroy, and ...

    Jim Sutherland16 Apr 2020
    16 Apr 2020

    Nina Keogh

    16 Apr 2020

    Nina Keogh

    To Janes adoring Family. Our memories of Jane are her love of music .. singing wholeheartedly in a backyard in Bracebridge and her enthusiasm in conversation at many gatherings that brought us together with the Somerville Family. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved Jane. Tom and Judy Vermue

    Tom & Judy Vermue,16 Apr 2020

    I have many happy memories with Jane. She was a lovely person and will be missed by all who knew her.

    James Wiseman16 Apr 2020
    16 Apr 2020

    Jerri Johnson One of the many books we worked on together. Love you Jane forever. Looking forward to seeing you in Heaven so we can finish our next one. Love you always… you wonderful inspiring human. So enjoyed our journey. We created some fun stuff—including our books!

    16 Apr 2020

    Neil Somerville "Dress well, it makes even the worst job seem better" Jane said that day while house painting.....

    My memories of Jane go back to high school..... and I never saw her again after I left Strathroy in 1967 for university. But I remember this tall, beautiful blonde young teenager and her wonderful family in that big house on the hill. A high school friend just sent me this notice of her passing. And I can sit here in the Canadian Rockies and rem...

    Richard Brown16 Apr 2020
    16 Apr 2020

    Michelle Marquit While I wasn't there in person I played a part behind the scenes and we celebrated this happy day many times over the years.

    17 Apr 2020

    Madeleine Litchfield Forget-me-nots and blue bells for you Jane. We won’t forget you ❤️❤️❤️

    17 Apr 2020

    Ichi Halvorson We’ll greatly miss you.

    We met Jane and David at a dinner party about 15 years ago. The next morning Jane called to invite Wilf and me to a party at Dinnick Crescent. It was a lively and fun evening and Jane made us feel right at home as if we were long lost friends. I was amazed and touched by her welcoming us so quickly and warmly into the Somerville/Caspari circle of f...

    Brenda Dinnick17 Apr 2020

    Being a children's librarian I knew of Jane through Somerville House Press. They carried some of the best titles around, she just knew what kids would like and it was a very brave enterprise at that time. Beautiful and determined, a kid at heart- how nice it was to connect with her in dance class recently. Sending love and strength to David and the...

    Margaret Nightingale18 Apr 2020

    I always looked up to Jane with deep admiration for her strength, femininity and intelligence. She was an incredible woman and a wonderful friend to our family. I loved hearing about the antics of the Tuscan-Eights and Cooking Chicks from my parents. Ryan and I have so many memories from just the last few years, from belting out carols on Christmas...

    Tessa Forrest18 Apr 2020

    So sorry and sad to hear this news. I will remember Jane for - her love of life, family and travel - always being so positive and seeing the bright side - and our runs with her beloved Max and Berkely Cheryl

    cheryl ginsberg19 Apr 2020

    Doug and I first met Jane 4 years ago when we came to view the apartment, or “ the garden suite” as Jane liked to call it. I soon discovered that not only did we share a fondness for 24 Dinnick, but a passion for dogs, a love of singing, and a special interest in children’s books. How delighted I was to learn that Jane’s publishing company created ...

    Deborah frehr-smith19 Apr 2020

    We remember Jane with a lot of love and joy - she certainly was a bright spark. Her earthly light may have gone out, but she continues to shine brightly in our hearts.

    Marguerite Orane21 Apr 2020
    21 Apr 2020

    Neil Somerville A beautiful lady in any light.

    Julian, Jordan, & David—I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll always remember Jane as a gentle, cool, & stylish woman, who walked to the beat of her own drum (with wonderful posture!) As a young child, I always loved going to your house and peeking around—your mom had superb taste, and I could pick up on it even as a nosey five-year-old kid. Seeing her ...

    Ginger McNeely21 Apr 2020
    23 Apr 2020

    Joan VanDuzer Jane was determined to complete this thoughtful description of spiritual practices and beliefs. It is evidence of her creativity and intelligence...and determination. A wonderful tribute to a special person who I was honoured to call a close friend.

    24 Apr 2020

    Helene McQuigge Jane and I sharing a glass of wine! One of many over the years!

    When my husband died, Jane made sure to keep in constant touch with me. We went for lovely long walks behind the Canadian Film Centre, where Jane delighted in parking illegally. Jane will always be my touchstone for empathy, bravery, style, intelligence and humour. I will miss her so much, and our Cooking Club get-togethers will be the poorer fo...

    Deborah Griffin25 Apr 2020
    25 Apr 2020

    Deborah Griffin Cooking Club "Chicks" as Jane dubbed us at Creemore

    25 Apr 2020

    Deborah Griffin Another beautiful Cooking Club evening on "The Hill"

    25 Apr 2020

    Deborah Griffin CC dinner at Anne Riley's

    27 Apr 2020

    Sally Forrest An elegant safari lunch in Botswana - 2015

    27 Apr 2020

    Sally Forrest Tuscanate Girls - Italy, 2008

    27 Apr 2020

    Sally Forrest Quebec City, 2010

    Mother Jane (II). Oh, how we miss you and oh, what memories you left behind! I'll always recall, fondly, the relaxed days spent sitting on the beach at the cottage in Georgian Bay and the time and care you took in getting to know all about us, your sons' friends. You didn't need to be interested or curious, but you were. You were always generou...

    Blaine Pearson29 Apr 2020

    Jane was a one of a kind force of nature. She was my dear friend for 50 years, and early on gave me the confidence to be who I could be, and I think she gave it all of us. On top of being gorgeous and brilliant, she had and amazing capacity to make friends, bring us together and made us all feel loved, valued and special. And of course then there i...

    Deirdre Finigan1 May 2020

    Jane was my second mother, my friend, my sister and my mentor. She trusted me to take care of her boys over 35 years ago. I cared for them for a number of years while Jane was running around the globe to publish books. I was working for a business woman !! After the boys grew up, we kept in touch and I always felt part of Jane's family. We became ...

    Manon RacineMay 2020
    May 2020

    Rex Hagon

    5 May 2020

    Deirdre Finigan Italian dinner at the beach. Jane walked all the there and back! Lots of great conversations.

    5 May 2020

    Deirdre Finigan Dinner on Flamingo beach after searching for their hilltop restaurant.

    5 May 2020

    Deirdre Finigan Jane relaxing poolside after water exercises and doing pull-ups using the bridge over the pool. She looked amazing in her bikini.

    5 May 2020

    Deirdre Finigan Dancing again.

    5 May 2020

    Deirdre Finigan After dinner kiss

    Jane and I did much together – Pi Phi Fraternity, Granite Speakers’ Committee, Dancing Classes, Gym workouts,and even a trip to India. In a committee room Jane was an innovative force who ‘made things happen’. In the gym she was determined and athletic. In personal relationships she was an inclusive connector who encouraged those around her to...

    Joan Ritchie7 May 2020

    Jane and I lived together in the Pi Phi London chapter house for 2 years and became fast friends. During that time, she was the star in the U.W.O annual opera performance. She was also the Captain of the Colour Guard, leading her team, long blonde tresses flowing and tall flag held majestically aloft, at every football game and important universi...

    Deirdre Finigan8 May 2020
    8 May 2020

    Deirdre Finigan March 2019. Another cultural and intellectual event organized by the ever stylish Jane at the Granite.

    15 May 2020

    catherine olsen Our last of many wonderful visits to Mulmer. Such a handsome couple! Love Catherine & Paul