Jane Shury (nee Miller) was born July 23, 1934 to Melcher Miller and Katherine Gaertner at Leipzig. Jane completed all of her elementary school education at the Leipzig Public School and Grades 9 through 12 at the Notre Dame Convent in Leipzig. In 1951, at the age of 17, Jane left her community to discover a world of opportunity beyond. In 1956, she graduated from the Saskatchewan Hospital, North Battleford as a registered psychiatric nurse. In 1961, she completed a course in ward management and supervision. In 1971, she was awarded a certificate in Administrative Management, Sheltered Workshops, Level 111. And, in 1973, she was accredited as a rehabilitation worker with the Canadian Association of Rehabilitation Personnel.
Jane began employment at the Saskatchewan Hospital in November of 1952. Including her nurse's training from 1953 to 1956, she worked at the hospital for 13 years. Jane subsequently served as the Battlefords Sheltered Workshop executive director for 12 years. She then worked in geriatric nursing at the Battlefords District Care Centre for 18 years. It is a testament to Jane's character and her compassion that she chose to invest 43 years of her life caring for the mentally challenged and those in the last stages of life.
Despite Jane's strong commitment to her work and career, she found time to become heavily involved in community organizations. She served on baseball committees at the local, provincial and national levels. She also played softball with the Saskatchewan Hospital Aces who were the ladies' senior softball champions in 1953. Jane was also involved with minor hockey at the community level. Jane's involvement in sports was a template for the way she lived her life - as a team player in service to others.
Jane took every opportunity to volunteer and participate in professional organizations and the life of the community. She is currently the federal representative for the Battleford Housing Authority. She also served three terms as the Saskatchewan representative on the Canadian Consumer Council.
Jane's husband, Dave, suffered for a large part of his life from a debilitating disease similar to multiple sclerosis. This persuaded Jane to become a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition, she served terms as a director for both the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres and the Canadian Council Rehabilitation Workshops. In addition, Jane was a member of the Canadian Mental Health Association formerly known as the White Cross. She also served on the Prairie North Health Region Home Care Accreditation Committee. As if this wasn't enough, Jane volunteered with the Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Jane also belonged to a number of community organizations. She volunteered with local Roman Catholic Church groups and sang in church choirs. She was a member of the Kinette Club. And, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for a remarkable 40 years. Jane was also a North Battleford Bingo Association director. She was also a director with Battlefords Tourism for seven years
Like her husband David, Jane was actively involved in politics as a member of local, provincial and federal liberal organizations.
Jane was also heavily involved in the history of our community. She was the co-ordinator for the Saskatchewan Hospital's 2005 reunion. She also belongs to both the Saskatchewan's History and Museum Committee and the 2013 SHNB Centennial Reunion Committee. She is also a member of the North Battleford Centennial Historical Committee, the Battlefords North West Historical Society, and is the executive secretary for the Battlefords Heritage Society. In addition, she is the president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame. Finally, Jane has co-ordinated the SBHFM's annual induction for the past 28 years.
Along with a record of exemplary community work, volunteerism and selfless service goes recognition, high honours and awards. In 1981, Jane was the recipient of the Saskatchewan Rehabilitation Centres award, "in recognition of outstanding support for Saskatchewan citizens." She was made an honourary member of the Saskatchewan and Canadian Liberal Party for, "dedicated and unselfish service." In 1992, Jane was awarded the Canadian Confederation Medal for, "significant contributions to fellow citizens, to their community, or to Canada." In 2002, she was the recipient of the Governor General's Golden Jubilee Medal for, "outstanding and exemplary contributions to their community or to Canada as a whole." In 2005, she received the Saskatchewan Centennial Leadership Award for, "outstanding contributions to our province." In 2006, Jane was inducted into the Frontier Mall Wall of Fame for, "community service in the Battlefords." In 2007, Saskatchewan Tourism conferred on Jane the title of volunteer of the year. Finally, in 2011, Jane was given an honourary induction into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
Jane Francis Miller and David Shury were married on March 24, 1956. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage for 52 years. They were blessed with two children, Debra and Brent, and seven amazing grandchildren. Sadly, Jane's husband passed from this life on Oct. 22, 2008. Despite the loss of her husband and difficult circumstances, Jane continues to serve her community and fellow citizens. In particular, she continues as CEO and president of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Association and sits on many historical committees.
On the occasion of North Battleford's centennial, we stand in admiration of Jane's talent, energy, and dedication to her city. Jane's example of community service, volunteerism, and selflessness is a wonderful example for us all. To Jane Shury we give a heartfelt thank you.
(Source: Shury family)
