Grandma Jane had a passion for life unlike any other I’ve seen. Up until her last
second, she was outside- always biking, hiking, boating, swimming somewhere. Three years ago, Grandma Jane joined us for a family trip to the Canadian Rockies. It was the first trip my now-husband Andy had taken with all of us. All six of us
got out of the van, pulled on our hiking boots and started up the trail….
Straight up. Our rag-tag group was hiking with ultra marathoners who were
training for their next race. As we reached the top, one said with awe, “I wish
she was my grandma.” Grandma Jane beamed. All I can say is, I’m so lucky she’s
my grandma! Even though she was physically thousands of miles away, she felt
emotionally right next-door. We would always call, email, or write letters. Those
times she joined us for family vacations are some of the most special memories
I have. When Grandma passed I received so many sympathies that said things like
“Your Grandma was my hero,” and “When I sat with her for only a few minutes she
really touched me with her passion and caring.” She genuinely cared about every
person she met. She would strive to learn as much as she could about you,
asking you questions about your childhood experiences, how you got where you did
today, and what your plans for the future were. It didn’t matter what the
answers, she was truly interested.

One of the things Grandma Jane taught me was to always strive to better yourself.
There are always opportunities to learn something new, try something new, or
perfect an old skill. One summer when Grandma came to visit, we got roller
blades and taught ourselves how to skate. I kept falling and falling and wanted
to give up. There was no way Grandma would let that happen, and by the end of
the trip we were confident skaters. Thank you for teaching me never to give up.

Her dedication to her friends and family is something I strive to carry on. If I
grow up to be half the woman she was and do half the things she did, I will be
happy. Rest easy Grandma. I love you.