Obituary of Jane Huffman

Jantje “Jane” Huffman (Boekhoud) Jane Huffman, of Stratford, Erieau and Chatham, peacefully passed at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. She is now enjoying being with her husband, Bruce (2005), of over 45 years. Jane was born in her childhood home of Stadskanaal, The Netherlands. Her early years in Holland were spent in the turmoil of WWII before immigrating at age 12 to Chatham. She met her true love, Bruce, at 16 years old at a dance in Rondeau and from there, married him 4 years later. The early years of their marriage were spent following Bruce to different places he was stationed with the Air Force. Once they were settled in London, she rose through the ranks, working at “The Bell” (Bell Canada) until she completed her degree from Brescia College in Home Economics. Shortly after she gave birth to their son David, they moved to Stratford where she and Bruce started working for Conestoga College. Jane was an administrator at Conestoga for many years, rising to the position of Chair of Continuing Education. After retiring from Conestoga, Jane and Bruce opened the Guthrie House Bed and Breakfast, which they ran with love for 10 years. During this time, Jane started a Breakfast Club with the Stratford Red Cross. Jane, with Bruce and devoted volunteers, helped serve over 100, 000 breakfasts at over 10 schools. After Bruce’s passing, Jane moved back to Erieau and Chatham to enjoy her family, son David, daughter-in-law Genevieve and sweet granddaughters, Catherine and Claire. Being Omie to Cate and Clair brought Jane the most joy in life. From sleepovers to tea parties, and Omie muffins to stumppot, Omie enjoyed spending every moment with her granddaughters. She will be missed by her brother Dr. John Boekhoud of Chatham and his children Dr. Jon, Pat and Amy, by her husband’s family, Ervine, Annabelle, Chuck and their family, Doris and her family, Joe, Art and Margaret, Arthur, Lillian and their family, cousins in Holland, Henriette and Jos and their families. As well as her dear friends Suellen Weaver, Edie Torbay, Eleanor Conlin, Patty and Dr. Rod Caulfeild and Corrie Vandewal. Family to receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Friday, September 23, 2016 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service of Jane's life will be celebrated at the Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on. Saturday, September 24, 2016. Private Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations made in memory of Jane to the CK Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040