My husband Stephen Bagg (1971-76) and I (1974-79) attended Thornlea S.S. and we both had Miss Garden in the classroom.  We agree she was a terrific science/biology teacher. She always made the subject matter interesting and understandable.  I would not have taken grade 13 biology if she had not taught it. We both believe that she was ahead of her time in her global approach to science, the environment  and mankind's  relationship to it. I can honestly say I have thought of her lessons and teaching philosophy 
long after leaving her classroom. However, it was the extra effort she made to connect with her students  as individuals that I will remember most.  The first time she judged me as a skater, I was very nervous and somewhat alarmed that she would be marking me both as a student at school and as an athlete at the rink.  I shouldn't have worried. She was fair, complimentary and just like at school, offered positive suggestions regarding how to improve. I last saw Miss Garden in Calgary, when she was judging the Canadian Championships. I was somewhat hesitant to re-introduce myself (what if she didn't remember me?) but she did and she couldn't have been nicer.  She wasn't surprised Steve went into medicine and I pursued the arts. She clearly knew her students! Rest in peace Miss Garden .  Kelly Pearson Bagg

I had the pleasure of being her student in Science at Thornhill SS in 1965 to 1967.  So long ago!

I think we all enjoyed her teaching and loved the days when she would write "I'm speechless" on the blackboard whenever she had laryngitis.  We still got the full lesson those days too.

By coincidence, I happened to visit Thornlea SS in the early 2000's on her last day as a teacher there.  She told me the story of her favorite moment as a teacher when one of her students found a unique species of beetle just off Royal Orchard, inspired by her teaching.  Again, she gave credit to her student.

A great teacher.

Had the honour of knowing Ms Garden as a student of hers at Thornlea. She taught Science and also ran the TAP program, which I was lucky enough to be in. 

She was kind, understanding, well respected by her students and most of all, empathetic. 

The real world didn’t get in the way of her students success in or outside of the classroom. 

She will be remembered fondly. 

Condolences to her family and friends.

Jane and I were classmates for the entire time she attended Branksome Hall and  became good friends. We had many interests in common and worked together on Branksome's annual yearbook "The Slogan". After graduating together in 1956 we have remained in touch over a lifelong friendship and I will miss her. My husband Keith joins me in extending sincere condolences to Jane's  family members.
Mary (Daniell-Jenkins) Balsdon

So many fond memories of Ms. Garden's Grade 13 biology class at Thornlea. Jane was a warm, intelligent, multi-talented individual who did not hesitate to tell it like it is, and I am so glad I had the privilege of knowing her and of being a student in her class. May her memory be for a blessing.

We are so sad to hear that Jane has passed on. Jane was a great support and mentor to Jon and I, and shared so much of her skill and expertise as a judge. I still quote her so often to my students, I loved her expression, “on the right track,” always said with great emphasis and positivity. She will be missed and remembered.
Carol & Jon Lane

I went to Thornlea Secondary. She was a devoted teacher and one of my favourites. I was so happy to see her again at the 50th Anniversary. My condolences.

Jane Garden started me on my judging path along with Debbie Islam back in the late 70s. She was instrumental in fostering and encouraging many young skaters to become judges, making sure they attended seminars, did trial judging and wrote their exams. She was a shining example of how to judge and make constructive comments in a positive way. Jane volunteered many hours for skating but she also volunteered for other special causes such as the Needlework Guild. When I married and we moved into our house, Jane became my neighbor.  When I became a new mother of twins, she brought over many pre-cooked meals that she had thoughtfully packaged in single portions, so I could quickly heat them when I needed some energy. When I was homeschooling my children for their grade school years, Jane thoughtfully offered up various educational tools and even her large backyard for our "recess" breaks. On Halloween Jane would always be in costume when she answered the door. My children's favourite was when Miss Garden was dressed as a ladybug. She was a very good sport!  Up until covid hit, Jane would bake Christmas cookies every year and deliver them to our door. Jane, thank you for all you have done for so many people.  You will be greatly missed.  My condolences to Jane's family and friends.

So very sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. Jane had a profound influence on my entire skating life as an official and administrator as she did for almost everyone in our generation. She mentored and encouraged us, celebrated our successes and urged us to do more. Her caring and warmth were behind everything she did.  She completed the history of Central Ontario Section (COS) in time for our 60th anniversary in 2016 and worked with her friends and colleagues to help us produce an epic reception at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club where it all began.  Much of the skating world has been shaped and moulded by Jane. Her legacy is far reaching and long lasting.  She will be sadly missed yet her legacy will live on. Our deepest condolences to the family. She was a great lady who lived a great life.

I first met Jane in 1984 at the Ennia Challenge Cup in Holland. A small group of skaters from the Lahr and Baden Baden Figure Skating Clubs made a trip to The Hague to watch the competition. Jane was kind enough to stop and have a chat with our group. Living in Toronto since 1995, I of course had the opportunity on many occasions to judge and evaluate with Jane. Her commitment to the skaters, officials and the Skating Section was amazing. Jane was a mentor and a friend. She will be missed.

Deepest Sympathy from one skating family to another. Jane was a great lady. 
Emery Leger

So sorry to learn of Jane’s passing. She was a valued teaching colleague on Thornlea SS staff. Very innovative in her teaching and highly skilled in the skating community.
Don and Bronwyn Bogle

It is always sad to hear about the passing of a friend and mentor.  Jane was a mentor to many of us as we worked our way up the ranks as judges.  She always had a way of letting you know what your next step should be and did so much to help us achieve that next promotion.  Jane would even send a small note (in very small handwriting) in the mail each year to let us know what we still had to do to stay on track.  Jane was always  full of advice on many subjects.  One summer, she wanted to show me the beach in Port Sydney.  We spent a few hours with my then 2 year old walking along the edge of the water and digging in the sand.  We returned by boat several times because it is a great beach!  We will raise a toast to Jane at a competition to honour her contribution to figure skating and to her commitment to officiating.

OBITUARY

Janet "Jane" Elizabeth Garden

April 2, 1938 – December 20, 2023

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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