Obituary of Jane Marie Hanshaw

It is with great sadness that the family of Jane Marie Hanshaw, age 59, of Bear River, announces her passing on Wednesday May 18, 2016, at Digby General Hospital. Born on March 18, 1957, she was a daughter of the late Gerald Trimper and Patricia Lombard (Fred). Jane's love for her family was immeasurable, and she was very proud of her son, James, and her three grandchildren. Jane was a special person with a wide circle of friends and stores to tell as knitting needles caste off endless patterns with creative designs and colors. Sometimes even with her eyes closed. As handy as she was with wool, she was just as talented with a ceramic paint brush or a set of ledger books and an extra-large numbered calculator to compensate for her visual impairment. Even so, as in true Jane style, she let little hold her back and prepared tax returns and bookkeeping services for most of her friends, neighbours, family and even strangers who instantly believed in her competence. Jane had Revenue Canada's number memorized and they surely knew her by the sound of her voice – always polite yet very sharp. In true Janey-style humor, she'd say; "God made up for my figure by putting figures in my head." A wonderful baker, pickle & jam maker and everyone loved her pies! Jane did a variety of work but loved talking about the days she and Fran Fetter worked on silk designs for Axent on Silk – always hoping one day to batik again. Jane volunteered for everything – Beavers, Cubs, fundraisers of every kind, CNIB, community events, Craft Shows, Spring Flings, selling tickets to help others and not only gave her time freely but often her money from the sale of her handworks & baking. She was a dedicated Bear River Legion Auxiliary, Fire Department Auxiliary and Area Lions Club member for as long as she was able. This unique and talented woman had heart for her community but nothing compared to how she felt about her son, Jamie, and her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy – her greatest accomplishments in loving. Jane's generous, kind, loving and caring spirit was known to all who had the privilege of coming across her path – making her unforgettable, a true angel who has now gone home. She is survived by her husband, Bruce, Greenland; son James (Jessica), Deep Brook as well as grandchildren, Kirklynd, Zoe and Allyson; Trimper brothers, Barry (Wanda), Miles (Tanya), Shawn (Will), Mark (Joanne); sister, Antoinette "Toni" (Alf Andrews); half-sister, Brenda Hannam. She will be sadly missed by nieces, nephews and family. The family would like to sincerely thank the Bear River and Digby communities at large and all those that looked out for Jane – making sure she had a ride, made it to appointments, looked after her when she needed help or you needed a pick up yourself – she was good at telling a joke and taking care of others, too. A few to thank are; Barb, Maryanne, Bruce, her siblings, Karen, Diane, Doris, Digby Taxi drivers, Jean & Frank, Cherry Brook, Rob, Greenland Bible Chapel. Jane's family extend a special thank you to Dr. Bander and Leigh, the ER and Palliative Care staff at Digby General Hospital for their years of care and compassion as Janey bravely faced her illness with humor and endless faith that she'd bounce back – and she always tried her best to do so. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Coldbrook Funeral Home & Chapels, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Road (902-679-2822) A celebration service of Jane's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 28 at Greenland Bible Chapel, 229 Greenland Road, (off Bear River East and Jefferson Roads). Family Flowers only. Cards and memorial donations would be greatly appreciated and may be sent c/o James Hanshaw, Box160 Clementsport, NS, B0S 1H0. Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca