Jane Achtenberg

Jane Achtenberg, 77, passed away October 4th, 2021. Born Cynthia Jane Marsden on November 3rd, 1943 in Hamilton, Ontario, Jane was the daughter of Edward Arnold and Velma Jean (nee Simpson).

Jane spent the last years of her life at Pioneer Ridge, which was the home she worked as a Registered Nurse from its opening to her retirement. Formerly a nurse at Dawson Court, she made a lot of friends over the years through work. Her best friend Jean was by her side until the end.

Jane had an eventful 1965 where she graduated from nursing college and married Ed Achtenberg in Toronto. In 1967 she moved west to Edmonton, Alberta, eventually landing in Leduc. Alberta with her young family. She worked in a medical clinic and took care of her 'boys'. Big memories for her sons involve travelling for hockey and camping. Mom loved music and our 8-track was always playing in the car. The 1970s ended with Mom and Dad deciding to move to Thunder Bay.

Arriving in 1980, Mom had to look for a job in 1981 when Dad was no longer able to work. She landed a nursing job with the City of Thunder Bay and started working the Homes for the Aged. This is where Mom made lifelong friends and where Mom's giving heart shone. She would work shifts on holidays so younger colleagues could be home with their younger families and on occasion a resident would be invited to our house for dinner.

Mom entered a new phase in her life as her boys started becoming young adults and her husband Ed passed away (1987). Her work and her friends were a strong presence in her life. She enjoyed going out dancing and to parties with her friends. She made new friends and, eventually found a new love in her life – Ray. They married in 1996 and every winter they would travel. It was not like camping with her boys – she and Ray would go off somewhere warm for a few weeks every winter.

She and Ray became grandparents in the 2000s, which meant more travel to go and see them all. Mom loved seeing her family – her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, her brother Ed and sister-in-law Rosalie, and all nieces, nephews, and cousins. She made friends everywhere she went and loved her life

Jane will be in the hearts of her grandchildren and family; Kyle, Kameron, Karissa, Ethan, Alison and Emerson. Her sons David (Adora), Andrew (Christine), and Mark (Sylvia). Her best friend Jean. Her brother Ed Marsden and sister(-in-law) Rosalie. She spread a lot of love in this world.

Jane is predeceased by her father Edward Arnold Marsden, her mother Velma Jean Marsden, and her husbands Ed Achtenberg and Ray Kujala.

Our love also goes out to all the nurses of Pioneer Ridge who kept great care and are continuing to do God’s work. Kindness is what is needed today. Be kind.

Peace and love.