Janet (Jane) Evelyn Draper (nee Smith)
April 13, 1938 - December 27, 2025
Surrounded by family on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Grace Village in her 88th year.
Beloved wife of Patrick, husband of 57 years. Devoted mother to Mark (Alexandra) and Katharine (Ray). Loving Nana to Gabrielle, Isaac and Talula; Maggie and Trevor. Predeceased by her parents, Frank and Evelyn Smith, and her brother Geoff.
In search of adventure, through The Society for the Oversea Settlement of British Women, Jane emigrated to Canada from England in 1961. She met her husband-to-be Patrick soon after while working at McMaster University. Ever seeking new challenges, she completed her BA in Geography at Bishop’s University in 1976. In 1984 she completed an MBA at Queen’s University later followed by a Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario in 1993.
Jane operated a financial planning business and then served as a reference librarian at Bishop’s University for 24 years prior to her retirement in 2004.
Jane spent many years volunteering at St. Mark’s Chapel at Bishop’s University. She enjoyed murder mysteries, rooting for the Expos, cultivating her orchids, and was adoptive mother to countless rescued cats.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory may be made to Grace Village, or the Frontier Animal Society.
https://villagegrace.ca/en/
https://safas.ca/
The family sincerely thanks the staff at Grace Village for their wonderful care and support during her stay.
Visitation will take place at the Cass Funeral Home, 3006 College St., Sherbrooke (Lennoxville) on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 2pm to 4pm and on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12pm to 2pm immediately followed by a service.
Messages de sympathie
My deep condolences to all of Jane’s family and friends. I’m grateful that her suffering has ended; but her calm, kind nature, her brilliant mind, and her beautiful voice will be always be remembered. Speaking with Pat about her in October was a special moment, ever moreso now.
- Linda McNeil, le
31 décembre 2025
I am sending you my deepest condolences to you and your family Katharine. Your mother was always very kind to me and accepted me as her step niece. I enjoyed spending time with her whenever she visited her mother in Australia. I feel it is very sad for you all. With best wishes from Sarah and family.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Sarah Philpott-Smith, le
31 décembre 2025
So sorry to hear. Please accept our sincere condolences to Pat and all the family.
- David & Helga Price, le
31 décembre 2025
With deepest sympathy Patrick and family. Your daily devotion and loving caring for Jane was the ultimate journey of love and a model for others.
- Pam Bown, le
31 décembre 2025
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Janet’s passing. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Wishing you all the best.
- Doug McConnachie, le
31 décembre 2025
My deepest sympathies to all the family. I remember Jane at St. Mark’s and her commitment to the church. May she rest in peace and may your memories bring you comfort.
- Krista Hilton , le
31 décembre 2025
My deep condolences to you Patrick - we shared our love and care of rescued cats. May her memory be a blessing. (Anna from BU library).
- Anna M. Grant, le
31 décembre 2025
My heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Jane. I was a student and professor at Bishop’s when Jane was working there. Jane was so helpful, friendly and generous with her time and knowledge I’ll always have such a wonderful memory of her
Again, my condolences and prayers to you.
- Caroline Viens, le
31 décembre 2025
Dear Patrick
So sorry to hear of Janet’s passing
I have very fond memories of caring for her at Grace village. Enjoyed her gentle spirit and her ‘out of the blue’ sense of humour ! You cared for her is such a beautiful and devoted way !
Blessings and God’s comfort to you and your family
Ann
- Ann Marcoux, le
31 décembre 2025
Margie and I want to give Patrick and his family our most sincere sympathies on the passing of Janet.
- Corey Bellam , le
31 décembre 2025
Sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear wife Patrick.Am sure your daily devotion and loving care has left you with many memories to cherish.Many they be a source of comfort as you move forward.
- Doreen Morissette , le
31 décembre 2025
Pat, Janet and I send our condolences to you and your family. We have missed seeing her at St Mark's while she has been sick. May fond memories help you at this time. As others have mentioned Pat, your devotion to Jane was a demonstration of the love you shared.
- Charlie & Janet Carman, le
31 décembre 2025
Patrick and family, My deepest sympathy to the whole family. Jane was a lovely woman and a sweet grandmother to her grandkids. I have very fond memories of chatting with her. Love to you all.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Belinda Peres, le
1 janvier 2026
Sending our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Angela Chrétien, le
2 janvier 2026
My sincere condolences to you Patrick and to your family !
- Thomas Goulet, le
2 janvier 2026
My sincere condolences to you and your family!
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Joyce Kendall Marier, le
2 janvier 2026
My deepest sympathies.
- Angie Nutbrown, le
3 janvier 2026
Thinking of you and your family today, Pat, as Jane enters a place
of eternal rest. I am so sorry that we cannot be there for the service.
I always admired Jane for her strong faith and her dedication to St. Mark's
Chapel over the years. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Don and Nora
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- nora G hilton, le
3 janvier 2026
Dearest Mark, Katharine, and Pat, you are in my heart as we remember what a lovely lady Jane was. I've been thinking about what to write, and what I most want to tell you is about how good she made me feel every time we saw each other because she would spark up as though seeing me was a special part of the day. I bet everyone can say the same. It has been hard knowing about her decline, but the daily visits that she received stand out as years of devotion and love. May we all have such care and attention, and may you find peace in each others' arms. I send you all my love and best wishes. A wonderful woman, a wonderful family. Love Katie
- Katie Warlund, le
6 janvier 2026
Our sincere condolences to Jane's family and friends. She will be fondly remembered.
- Catherine Lavallée-Welch & the personnel at the Bishop's University Library, le
6 janvier 2026
Hello Mr. Draper my sympathies to you and your family.
- Gail Bowen, le
7 janvier 2026
Écrivez un message de sympathie :
