FORSTER, Barbara Jane Forster

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29th in Victoria, B.C.

Jane, as she preferred to be called, will be sadly missed by her three children – Catherine, John and Melanie. Predeceased by her husband of 67 years, John Lawrence Forster (affectionately known as Larry).

Born on June 26, 1933, in Toronto, Ontario, Jane graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music and Paedagogy receiving a gold medal for the highest marks in singing.

Shortly after graduation, following a whirlwind courtship, Jane and Larry were married on September 8th, 1956.

In the years following, Jane, a mezzo soprano, gave numerous vocal recitals throughout Ontario and performed as a soloist with both The Kingston and Lakehead Symphonies. She also performed in a variety of musicals and operas including The Music Man, Camelot, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sound of Music, Three Penny Opera, Tom Jones and Anne of Green Gables.

She commenced teaching piano, voice and theory in 1960 and continued to share her expertise with students until 1984.

Throughout the years, Jane was a member of many choirs including the Pro Arte Singers (Kingston), Whiteoaks Choir (Mississauga) and The Wedgewood Singers (Victoria).

A move to the West Coast in 1990, allowed her to continue her singing career when she joined Pacific Opera Victoria in 1991 as a member of the chorus, performing in 22 operas from 1991 through to 2012.

Her love of music knew no bounds…. both on the stage and behind the scenes.

During her tenure as Vice President of the Toronto Symphony Women’s Volunteer Committee in 1976, she also assumed the role of Co-Convenor of the Dream Auction, a major fund-raising event for the TSO.

While music was Jane’s first love, travel came a close second.

Bitten by the travel bug in 1956, the happy couple enjoyed their first trip abroad, a month-long honeymoon to England and Scotland. This was followed by the planning of many Forster family adventures including a month-long camping trip from Thunder Bay to California and back.

She was able to combine the love of travel and skating as an organizer and tour leader of more than 12 excursions to the World Figure Skating Championships.

Even in her later years, her love of travel never wavered.

A planner par excellence!

Her love of entertaining and hosting parties was legendary.

A talented musician, a passionate performer, a lover of classical music and opera, an adventurous traveller, a gourmet cook and an avid reader are but a few of the phrases that come to mind when describing Jane.

Music was her life, her love and her passion! 

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life to follow in early 2026.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.