Jane Theodora Buckley
March 30, 1940 – October 11, 2025
Jane Theodora Buckley, age 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 11, 2025, in Ottawa, Canada. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Michael Buckley, and is survived by her daughters, Gillian and Penny; sons-in-law, Don and Chris; and grandchildren, Matthew, Sara, Jamie, Annabel, Cooper, and Laura.
Born in Oxford, England, to John and Flora Philpot, Jane was the daughter of two scientists and inherited their curiosity and love of learning. She earned a Master’s Degree in Geography from Cambridge University before venturing to Canada in 1962, where she taught for a year at Elmwood school (founded by her grandmother Theodora Philpot). She then joined the Canadian National Geological Survey as part of the team mapping Baffin and the High Arctic. Upon returning to Ottawa, Jane opened Gilpen Editing Services and later worked as a scientific editor for Agriculture Canada.
Jane met Mike, the love of her life, at a sailing event in Ottawa. Together they became a competitive team, winning the Canadian National Y-Flyer Championships in 1976. Their shared love of adventure continued through tennis, skiing, and cherished holidays at their cottage on Lac McFee - a special place for the family. Jane was also an active member of Rare Breeds Canada, deeply involved in her community as a volunteer, and well ahead of her time in environmental advocacy. A lifelong lover of border collies, she shared her life with many furry companions who were both family members and agility partners, achieving success at national and international levels.
Jane will be remembered for her intellect, kindness, and adventurous spirit. She will be missed by friends, family and all who knew her.
