On September 20, the Reverend Jane Best-Morton died peacefully after a brief illness.
Born in August of 1946, and raised on Kingston Row in Winnipeg to adoptive parents Vida and Keith Christie, Jane developed a strong faith and love of public service. Early in her career at Manitoba Forestry, she fell in love with her boss, Bill Best. Within a few years, they married and their two children soon followed. Both Bill and Jane were dedicated members of St. Mark’s and later St. Bart’s Anglican parishes for many years. They were also active members of the Anglican Summer Camp community, with Jane serving as hostess for several years in the 1980s.
After Bill died in 1999, Jane decided to give love another chance. After one date, she knew Chuck Morton would be the one. They married in 2003 and travelled extensively during their short time together. After Chuck died in 2008, Jane’s faith was tested again by a battle with breast cancer. While convalescing with family in Brandon, Jane made the choice to move there permanently, combining households with Christie and her growing family. There she became an active member of the St. Mary’s, Brandon and was ordained as a deacon for the parish on June 29, 2019. Jane remained active in the Diocese of Brandon, taking services in Carberry and Brandon right up to the Sunday before she passed. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated by the Bishop on October 1st at St. Matthew’s Cathedral.
Rest eternal grant unto Jane, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her. May her soul, along with all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
