Obituary of Jane Humphries (nee Shantz)

To view Jane's livestreamed service please use the link HERE

It is with profound sadness we announce Jane passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on January 31, 2023, at the age of 67, following complications from corticobasal syndrome. Jane was a warm and sociable woman who easily forged enduring relationships.

She will be missed by her children; Nicholas Humphries (Patricia Favre) and Vanessa Stanislav (Boris Stanislav); her grand-children Freya Stanislav, Bodhi Stanislav and Leo Humphries; her brothers Bob Shantz (Allison Smiley) and Steve Shantz (Lesley Kletki); and many beloved aunts and uncles as well as her niece and nephew. Jane is predeceased by her loving parents, Armand and Irene Shantz.

Jane will be fondly remembered by the vast number of friends with whom she built lifelong, deep bonds. Friends from her childhood and adult life in the Waterloo region, classmates through her Master of Management degree from McGill University, and those she met during her accomplished career.

Jane dedicated her life to serving the non-profit sector. She was one of the first female superintendents for Parks Canada – a role that had her managing more than 30 historic sites at the young age of 26. She later spent many formative years as the Executive Director of the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, as well as 15 years at the Community Foundations of Canada, where she served as the Vice-President of Knowledge and Foundation Development.

Jane had a big heart and a wealth of knowledge – both of which she put to use in her personal life and through her career, including later in life when she served as a mentor supporting innovative enterprises to get started, grow and thrive.

Jane travelled the world both for work and pleasure – often in the good company of her beloved children, valued friends and respected colleagues.  

The world has lost a formidable woman who will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday February 9, 2023, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel beginning at 1:00 p.m. There will be a livestream of the service available for those who cannot attend at www.erbgood.com.

Per Jane’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, condolences and online donations can be made to the Jane Humphries Family Fund at Waterloo Region Community Foundation at www.wrcf.ca/donate. The Jane Humphries Family Fund is part of WRCF’s Community Fund, which means grants made from the fund go to support the highest priority needs of Waterloo Region annually.