Jayne Ann McKenzie

1956-2025

It is with great sadness the McKenzie Clan announce the passing of Jayne Ann McKenzie, November 19, 2025 at the age of 69. Jayne was the beloved and devoted daughter of Marion McKenzie and the late Don McKenzie, and extraordinarily caring sister of Angus, Mary (Gord Freeman) and Dann McKenzie of St. Thomas. She was niece of the late Kay and Al Smith of London and Jack and Margaret McKenzie of St. Thomas. Jayne will be remembered fondly by her wonderful friends of fifty plus years Jean Guy Meunier and Susan Esbaugh, as well as her precious friend Paula Pettit and her many friends at OPSEU Local 102 and the Ministry of Labour Office of The Worker Advisor.

Jayne lived a full and storied life. She was born, raised and lived in St. Thomas. Jayne grew up spending most summers at her cherished family cottage on Six Mile Lake, Muskoka where she loved cooking for others, canoeing, swimming, taking her dogs for long swims, walking in the woods, “camping” in the Bunkie and entertaining friends and neighbours. She loved nothing more than to finish the day with family, friends and her beloved dogs on a sunset boat ride followed by a roaring fire at the cottage. Jayne was beautiful, smart, fierce, hardworking and above all genuine.

Jayne’s lifelong career at the Ministry of Labour representing Injured Workers at the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal was her life blood. A lifelong champion of the underdog, Jayne worked tirelessly as an advocate to see barriers removed, justice served and case laws amended. Not content to work 60 hours a week, she spent countless hours assisting Provincial Labour Unions and Members of Provincial Parliament staff on best practices to assist Injured Workers. Jayne was fearless in all endeavours, never wavering in pursuit of an ideal no matter the obstacle. Jayne was stoic and stubborn, knew how to get things done and was a generous soul with her time and her resources. She was known to take phone calls from the Appeals Tribunal or clients at all hours, including Sunday morning, and more often than not, took case law to work on through vacation.  Married to her caseload, Jayne truly loved and enjoyed the challenges of helping others and resolving their grievances. She was a gifted advocate for Human Rights and Accommodations.

Jayne loved the company of her dogs and cats. In her later years her Service Dog “Taylor” was an adored favourite whom Jayne cherished.

Throughout her life, Jayne was always putting others first and taking care of everyone who surrounded her, regardless of her own situation. She was always there with support, advice and help. Her relationships with family, friends, clients and pets were what she valued most in this world.

There is comfort in knowing her work, her light and her legacy will live on through the lives she has touched and changed.

In keeping with Jayne’s giving nature, to remember her, call up an old friend, do a good deed for a stranger without expectations, take that next step in pursuit of a dream, pour a cup of tea, turn on CBC The Vinyl Café, hug your pets and your family. Tributes in Jayne’s memory could be made to Knox Presbyterian Church Rodney Outreach Children’s Summer Camp Program or a charity of your choice.

A funeral will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025 in the sanctuary of Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hinks Street, St. Thomas, with reception to follow.  A private family internment of ashes will take place at St. Thomas Cemetery.