Jane was promoted to glory on Saturday, March 22, 2025. She passed away peacefully at home at the age of 86. Cherished mom of Mary Jane and Carey Gibson, John Patrick O’Connor, Kathleen O’Connor, and James O’Connor. Proud grandma of Rebecca Gibson, Jeffrey Gibson, Nola Thompson and Dave Etheridge, and Eamon O’Connor and great-grandma of Torin Etheridge. Dear sister-in-law of Jean Gray. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her parents Malcolm and Nola (Buckingham) Gray, her brother Jim Gray, and in-laws; Barry (Helen), Catherine, Ted (Carus), Pat (Vera), and Lorraine (Barney).
Jane loved her friends at the Agape Fellowship, Forest Baptist Church, St. George’s Anglican & Word of His Power Faith Christian Centre, Anglican Church of Bermuda as well as her many friends at the Aquatic Centre programs. For many years, Jane enjoyed her annual Bermuda vacations, staying with friends and enjoying the warmth and the history. Jane possessed a strong passion for supporting missions around the world, but especially those that help the unhoused, hungry and abused in her own community.
Jane spent her working career largely in special education in different capacities, starting in a one room schoolhouse in southern Ontario, to Wood Buffalo National Park Alberta logging camp where she served as the only teacher. Her career then moved to the Association for the Mentally Retarded School which was later merged into the London Board of Education. She retired as the Director of Special Education with the Jane O’Connor Education Award established in her honour. Many lifetime friends were established with coworkers. Jane was a lifetime member of Community Living London and maintained an ongoing passion for their work. Jane had also served as an executive board member for Hutton House in London in the 1980’s.
Jane was a strong proponent of lifelong learning as evidenced by her constant reading and note taking, puzzle books and incredible curiosity, particularly for history.
Her faith was her source of strength and she would spend many hours studying scripture, in prayer and listening to gospel music. Jane was always ready to provide encouragement, a warm patient presence and heartfelt effective prayer. She loved her family and friends deeply and prayed for them faithfully.
She will be deeply missed by her wide circle of friends, neighbours and large loving family.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday, May 30th at 2 PM. Private family interment at Hillsboro Cemetery, Lambton Shores has taken place.
Donations to Far East Broadcasting Associates of Canada, Ark Aid Mission London, Community Living London, or Teen Challenge would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jack and Sheila Baker
Our sympathy to Jane’s family, friends and fellow educators. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and good friend to so many. We truly enjoyed working with Jane and later visiting with her in our retirement years. She was a wise and faithful woman always setting an example to others. Jack and Sheila Baker
Brian Wilmers
To the O’Connor family, we send our condolences and good thoughts remembering the fun times at Hillsboro Beach so many years ago. Jane always had that impish smile when Pat and I were up to some misadventure. Reading about her was a joy and all in your family have the good memories of Jane to share. What a wonderful person she was!
Denyse Holly & Matthew
Kathleen Nola and Eamon
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom and Gran. She had a heart of gold, a friend you could always count on, an ear to listen. She was incredibly kind and generous to all who knew her.
“ well done my good and faithful servant”
M Graham
Dear Family, On behalf of the Goodwill Committee of RTOERO, please accept our sincere condolences on the recent passing of your dear mother, Jane. She was an exemplary teacher as well as a wonderful example of a life well lived. She will be fondly remembered by to all who know and loved her.
Sincerely, M. Graham
Good Will Convenor
Sara
We enjoyed getting to know Jane at Carling Heights. Her dedication to getting the exercise she needed will be a continued example for me as I age. She was strong and disciplined. We have missed her in the pool these few weeks and she will be missed.
Wyn Craig
I knew Jane when she came to Forest Baptist Church and enjoyed many conversations with her.
Her faith and salvation where very evident and now her faith is sight.
Our deepest sympathy… you will miss her!
Wyn Craig, Forest
Lynne Helwig
Dear Aunt Jane will be missed. Love to her kids and grandkids. Sorry to miss the service – didn’t want to expose anyone to my germs. XO
Eleanor Weigand
Dear family,
I didn’t know Jane, but as I am reading her obituary, I had to comment on how many times I said “WOW” to myself. What a rich full life she lived. What a blessing she must have been to so many people. What an example to all who knew her.
Mary Jane Gibson
She was my wonderful Mum, and she was truly amazing. She has touched the lives of hundreds of people with her warmth, generosity and encouragement. She was a devout Christian and her faith was har greatest comfort and support, and she prayed constantly for others. Special education was her passion and she devoted her long career to it. She was a firm believer in “pay it forward”, and whenever someone asked how they could repay her generosity, she simply asked them to do a good thing for someone else. She was quite simply my hero.
Wendy Proctor
Dear Family and friends ❤️
Jane would come and chat with me when I was the administrator at St. George’s. I was always blessed by our time together and it is no wonder, I was in the presence of greatness ✨️
I knew nothing about her, except that she lived near by.
Always enlightening as we shared a common interest in outreach.
I will remember her always. 🫶🫂👑