Jane Mallory (nee Dorletta Jane Curran) was born in Kingston, ON to parents Dr. H. Wes and Dorletta Curran in 1938. In her formative years she spent her summers with her parents, her brother Dave, and her sister Fran at the Queen’s University Biological Station where Wes worked—a place that fostered her inquisitive mind and love of nature.
Graduating with a biology degree from Queens University in 1959, Jane married the best blind date ever, Robin Mallory (Queen’s Engineering 59), then lived in several mining communities (Eldorado, SK; Baie Comeau, QC; and Asbestos, QC) with her husband and young family before settling in Richmond, QC. An animal lover her whole life, Jane encouraged her daughters to expand the notion of the family pet beyond cats and dogs and accepted gerbils, tadpoles and even field mice into her home.
As her three daughters grew and developed their individuality, Jane went back to school for a teaching degree at Bishop’s University (BEd 1977). She was a teacher and librarian at both Richmond Regional High School and Alexander Galt Regional High School until her retirement in 1993.
A refuge for Jane and her family was found at Breeches Lake, QC where the family had “the cottage”. This would continue to be Jane’s connection to nature throughout her life. She enjoyed sailing, kayaking, and most of all swimming in the wonderful waters of the Eastern Townships.
Retirement found Jane and Rob moving back to Kingston where she took advantage of the many learning opportunities available in the city. In Kingston, Jane found a like-minded spiritual community at Sydenham Street United Church, reconnected with old friends from Queen’s, and made new friends in the Emerald Street community.
Throughout her life, Jane was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing and recommending books to family and friends. An inquisitive adventurer, Jane, not only traveled to many unique places but also wrote travel articles about her experiences. She was creative and admired for her knitting, sewing, and cooking.
Although the towns changed over the years, Jane’s caring, generous, accepting, thoughtful, and curious spirit consistently moved her to participate in the United Churches, local arts groups, and volunteer organizations in her communities.
Jane passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 21, 2016, in her 78th year. She will be forever missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
Friends are invited to visit at Sydenham Street United Church (82 Sydenham Street, Kingston, Ontario) on Monday, January 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Jane’s life will take place on Tuesday, January 26 at 2 p.m. at Sydenham Street United Church. As expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Wes and Dorletta Curran Memorial Award at Queen’s University(Queen's University,Gift Services,Old Medical Building, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6), Doctors Without Borders (Website only: http://campaigns.msf.ca), or the Benevolent Fund at Sydenham Street United Church (82 Sydenham Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L-3H4)
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