Dempster, Jane Barbara
March 3, 1949 – December 8, 2025
It is with deep love that we share the passing of a remarkable woman, a devoted wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother whose heart was the centre of her family’s world. She leaves behind a legacy woven from laughter, adventure, and an unwavering dedication to the people she loved most.
Married to her husband Bruce for 50 wonderful years, together they enjoyed a beautiful relationship which began in Toronto at Richview Collegiate Institute. They shared a love for an active lifestyle, which encompassed tennis, golf, and skiing (on bluebird days). She welcomed friends with great joy into her home, and loved to cook and entertain. Above all, her family was her proudest accomplishment, and the source of her endless joy. She nurtured, protected, and encouraged with a fierce and steady devotion that will continue to guide those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her children John (Amy), Ashleigh (Matt), Will (Lauren), and Ted. ‘Nana’ was incredibly proud of her 9 grandchildren Jasper, Stone, Poppy, Vincent, Isla, Jack, Penny, Birdie, and Ray.
Jane’s spirit will forever live in the laughter she sparked, the memories she shaped, and the love she gave so freely.
A private funeral service will be conducted at the Ferguson Funeral Home; with a service of committal and interment following at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford.
All are welcome to a Celebration of Jane’s Life on Friday, December 12, 2025 in the Galleries at The Meaford Hall from 1 until 4 p.m., with tributes shared at 2 o’clock.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Make a donation in memory of Jane Barbara Dempster
Donations: Alzheimer Society of Grey BruceDonate with the following link(s)
https://alzheimer.ca/greybruce/en/take-action/donate
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Dear Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted,
Words cannot express the sadness we feel for the loss of a devoted wife, wonderful mother, grandmother and cherished friend.
A beautiful lady inside and out, who will be missed but never forgotten. May her memory be a blessing.
Ofra & Steven Menkes
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Our condolences to Bruce and all of the kids and their families. With love.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Nolan
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
So sorry to read this…a tough battle. Condolences to the Dempster family..
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Trudy.
Bruce
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Jane will always be remembered by me as a warm, caring, beautiful woman. I am sad for your loss. I pray that you will all take extra care of each other.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Bill for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce, John, Ashley, Will, Ted and to all your grand kids and friends
So so sorry to hear about Jane’s passing
I have so many wonderful memories starting with our xc ski trip out of Banff having to bivouac in a cave
and so many fun weekends at the Cottage and of course the golf events. Not to forget the trip to Ireland.
She was very gracious always helping out and so kind. I will
always have very fond memories she will not be forgotten ❤️❤️
My sincere condolences
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Therese,for your nice thoughts and memories of Jane.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bruce, I’m sorry to hear of your loss, and can appreciate what you and Jane went through on your life’s journey.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Our sincere condolences to all of Jane’s family. She was definitely a bright light in our world and will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Bev and Glen.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted
We were heartbroken to hear of Jane’s passing. We want you to know that we care about you and we share in your sadness.
Wherever a beautiful Soul has been….there is a trail of beautiful memories
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Rene, Barb, Kris & Jody
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Dempster family at this sad and difficult time.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce & Family
Lesley and I send our condolences. We are so sorry to learn of Jane’s passing. Family is so important during these times.
We are out west visiting our family and will not be back in time for Jane’s celebration of life. Our thoughts are with you.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bruce and Family,
I’m so sorry to here the loss of Jane what a lovely lady. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Always had a small smile for us at Day Away. Sorry I can’t be at celebration of life, out of town.
Marion
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Marion,and Bev ,for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted,
I was so sorry to hear that Jane has passed away. The news has me reflecting on our time in Meaford with you all and I have nothing but fond memories. Jane made our get togethers so much more special with the time and effort she put into them. Among my memories are Christmas Parties at your beautiful home, tennis games, cottage visits and much more.
I will hold on to these memories forever.
Lots of love,
Krista Falkner
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Krista, for your nice thoughts and memories of Jane.I hope that you and your family, are doing well.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Will and family, so saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Your mother was a special person and so very kind. My condolences to you all.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Lisa.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bruce and family. I am sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. She was so kind and we will miss her at Day Away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sandy & Terry.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Sandy and Terry.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted, I was saddened to hear of Jane’s passing but know she is at peace able to watch over you all! Jane was beautiful inside and out! You are all in my prayers!
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Anne..I hope you are doing well.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Condolences Bruce and family, I’m sure she will be missed by all
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Jocelyn and Paul.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce, John,Ashleigh, Will and Ted
I am so sad to read about Jane.
A beautiful, kind nurturing woman. She will be missed by everyone.
She was certainly surrounded by love. She was so proud of your children and grandchildren.
Sincere thoughts and condolences are with you all.
Deb & Jim
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce,
Please accept our sincere condolences at Jane’s passing. She was a beautiful lady who was so very proud of her family. We will especially remember her for her competitive spirit on the golf course. She was always so much fun to play with.
Please share our condolences with your family.
Donna and Bill McEwan
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Donna and Bill,for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce and family, I have wonderful memories of Jane. She was a mentor in a number of ways through my teens years as the family babysitter and beyond when home for post-secondary visits. What a wonderful mother you kids had.
I send my condolences to you Bruce, a wonderful caring husband and father, and to all of the kids and grandchildren.
Laura (McEachern) Burton
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Laura.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Your Mom was such a lovely person always smiling at the peaks!! Last when I saw her she gave me a big hug ❤️ ❤️
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Cassandra,for your nice memories of Jane.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce and family
Condolences on Jane’s passing. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers durning this difficult time. God Bless
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Fran.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bruce and all your family, our condolences on the loss of your wonderful Jane. She gave the best hugs and had the most beautiful laugh, May your wonderful memories help make this difficult time a little better.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Linda and Paul.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Dempster Family,
My deepest condolences to you. As a childhood friend and neighbor of Ashleigh’s, I was always warmly welcomed at the door by Mrs. Dempster. She was a beautiful person inside and out and had an amazing way of making me feel special just with a quick chat. My heart goes to you, Ashleigh, Dr. Dempster, your brothers and families.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Becky for your nice memories of Jane.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce and family,
Jane was a lovely kind person. She will live on in your wonderful memories. So sorry for your loss.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Cathy, for your kind thoughts.I hope you are doing well.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce and family,
My thoughts and prayers are
with all of you.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Isabelle.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Fond memories, may she soar with the eagles BJM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce and Family
Jane was a loving and devoted mother to her children, she so admired, and always spoke of them
Hold on to the memories and cherish the photos and wonderful time spent together
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Linda.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bruce and to all the Dempster family. Our sincere condolences to all. Cherish all you wonderful memories, hold them close to your heart, and she will always be with you. Thinking of everyone at this sad time.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Diane and Terry.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted,
The Amos family is thinking of you all
In these tender times, and appreciating how strong Jane made your family through love. I will always remember Jane as a beautiful person who was happy to see us rambunctious boys march into your cottage fun. I hope that all of her grandchildren will reflect the joy and healthy living she modelled to you as kids! We feel your loss and I wish I could be there in Meaford to offer a big hug!
xoxo
Will, Regina, Paloma and Enrique
Friday, December 26, 2025
Hi Will.Thank you for your nice thoughts and memories of Jane.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce and the entire Dempster Family. My thoughts are with you on this very sad occasion. My memories of Jane go back to the days her parents lived in Bloor West and the two of you you were engaged to be married . Jane was a beautiful person, both inside and out. I know she loved all of you and will be deeply missed. She will forever live in you memories and hearts
Friday, December 26, 2025
Hi Helen..Thank you for your nice thoughts,and memories of Jane.I hope you are doing well.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted
We are so very sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. Jane was such a lovely lady and so dedicated to her family.
David, Myrna, Mark, Scott and Angie
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Myrna and Dave.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted,
My sincerest condolences on your profound loss. Jane was a beautiful person inside and out. She has left a lasting legacy of love and caring in our community. Her battle was long and I trust in time happier memories will take the place of the pain you are feeling.
Shirley, Brandon and Josh Keaveney
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Shirley,for your nice thoughts and memories of Jane.
Bruce
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
To the Dempster family. We are very sad to learn of Jane’s death. I know how difficult the past year or so have been for you all. Jane is now at peace and you will have so many happy memories over the years to sustain you.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Diane, and Paul,for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Bruce and family, I am sorry for you and your family’s loss. Jane was an outstanding leader and contributed greatly to all that she was involved with. It does not seem so long ago that we had that marvellous Irish golf holiday.
Take good care.
Maureen Payne
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Hi Maureen.
Thank you for your kind message. It is nice to hear from you, and I hope you are doing well…I have fond memories of both you and Dave, especially from the Irish Bushmill tournament, and of our Spring classics, and of our very first Beaver Cup, which was held at your BC home .I am a lucky man, to have been with Jane for 51 years…I hope you enjoy a wonderful new year..
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Our condolences to Bruce and family,
I went to Day Away with Jane, what a lovely lady, always had a smile. RIP JANE
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you ,Dennis and Brenda.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Bruce and the family:
Linda and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Jane: she was a truly wonderful person. Our condolences to all of you.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Jim,for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Jane was always the bright light in the room. She had this aura of optimism that made everyone feel better. So sorry for your loss, condolences to all the family.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Thank you Rod, for your kind thoughts…I am a lucky man to have been with Jane for 51 years…I hope you are doing well. Lets get together over a golf game, perhaps with Al, next summer.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Paul and I were very sad to hear about Jane’s passing. She was a beautiful and gracious woman. Her wonderful legacy is the beautiful family she nurtured so lovingly. Cherish your memories.
Paul and Claudia deCourcy
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Paul and Claudia,for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the entire Dempster family at this most difficult time. My chats with Jane over the years showed what a lovely person she was and so dedicated to her family.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Lori and Dan Jones
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Lori.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Dear Bruce & family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jane, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Carole & Blair Cowper-Smith
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Carole,and Blair,for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. What a lovely woman she was! Truly wishing you peace as you cope with her loss. Her vitality and just plain joy were so refreshing. Hoping your memories of her will keep her alive in your hearts.
Geraldine and Sam Rickett
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Geraldine and Sam,for your kind thoughts.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
To Bruce and the whole family our condolences on your loss. She has left many happy memories for you to share and we hope they bring you comfort.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Our sincerest condolences to Bruce and the entire Dempster Family at this very difficult time. Chris and I will always remember Jane as the matriarch of Dempster Island. Her love for her family was evident and on display with every event she hosted at the Bala summer cottage. We will forever remember her involvement with the Bala Sailing Club and the Bala Aquatic Association, and the support and encouragement she gave to her family and all who volunteered with her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Chris & Brad Burgess
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Chris and Brad,for your nice memories.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to all of Jane’s family.
Her memory lives on in every life she lifted.
May the wonderful memories comfort you.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Cynthia.
Bruce
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Dear Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will, Ted
Our most profound condolences. Jane was such a lovely person.
She will be deeply missed
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Mike and Beth.
Bruce
Friday, December 12, 2025
Dear Bruce and family I am so very sorry for loss of such a very special wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was her world she was so excited to be a Grandmother. Cherish all your wonderful memories I am unable to attend the Celebration of Life but thinking of you all and sending hugs.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Brenda,for you your nice thoughts.
Bruce
Friday, December 12, 2025
Bruce, John, Ashleigh, Will and Ted and Families; our heartfelt condolences to you all. Your mom was a beautiful person inside and out her family was her world that she was so proud of you all cherish your memories close to your heart forever.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Will and Wendy.
Bruce
Friday, December 12, 2025
Hi Bruce,
So sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Dear Bruce and Family
Please except my deepest Condolences.
I am so very grateful for being able to be a small part of Jane’s world.
What a beautiful lady. With the most beautiful smile.
She will be missed.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Justine for your kind thoughts.I hope you are doing well.
Bruce
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Dear John, as a young boy at MCS you and Jeff (Adams) became friends, your mother always made Jeff feel welcome in your home with treats at Christmas and a wonderful decorated home. Jeff would tell us what a great mom John had. Lots of good memories for all to hang onto .
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Laurie,for your nice memories.
Bruce
Saturday, December 13, 2025
We are so sorry to learn of our neighbour, Jane’s, passing. Our condolences to all of her family. The Dempster Family grew up with our 2 “children” and Jane was always very kind and welcoming.
Sincerely,
David and Kathy Sled
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Dave and Kathy.
Bruce
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Bruce and family, we were very sad to read in the Globe & Mail of Jane’s passing. It has been many years since we have been together or in touch, but we remember very well – such a wonderful, positive woman who has left us far too soon.
We are keeping you in our thoughts this Christmas.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Hi Brian.
Thank you for your kind message. It is nice to hear from you as it has been so many years since we last met. I have such wonderful memories of your Mom and Dad, especially when Jane and I lived in Banff for two years. At that time you were away at school. I hope you and your family are doing well. It is very nice to hear from you…Please send to me your email. It would be great to have a chat with you.
Bruce
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Dear Bruce and Family, l have no words to express the sorrow l feel to have just learned of Jane’s passing. She will be remembered as a beautiful friend, a devoted wife and mother, a great tennis competitor and a master hostess. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Good morning Ruth.
Thank you for your kind message. Jane always thought of you as a special friend, and enjoyed very much, the times you spent together. I hope you are doing well.
Bruce
Monday, December 15, 2025
Bruce and family. Sorry for your loss. Cherish your good memories.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Carole.
Bruce
Monday, December 15, 2025
Our condolences to you all, we worked for Bruce at the Dentist office and met up with Jane. She is a lovely woman. Nancy and Henry
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Nancy and Henry.
Bruce
Monday, December 15, 2025
My deepest sympathies to the Dempster family over your loss. My heartfelt condolences go to you all during this time.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Thank you Alana.
Bruce
Friday, December 26, 2025
To Bruce and family I was very sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. She was a special and loving lady. Take care of your broken heart Bruce cherish your family and her many memories.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Condolences to the family. Thinking of you all.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Dear Bruce and family,
I just heard tonight about Jane’s passing. Our prayers are with you. Jane was a very special person. I fondly remember our time as Brownie leaders. Our paths went in different directions but when we saw each other we always took time to catch up. I have always admired her and her love of life. Sending our love.
Mary and Geoff Solomon