The Current Jane Darville reflects on making a difference for those who were dying
Jan 21, 2026
Jane Darville, a transformative figure in Canadian hospice care, discusses her journey from founding Casey House, a pioneering hospice for AIDS patients, to leading Canuck Place, a children's hospice. She shares unforgettable moments, including Princess Diana's impactful visit that shifted public attitudes. Darville touches on overcoming stigma, the emotional toll of palliative care, and her dedication to supporting both patients and staff. Her reflections reveal the profound personal connections that have shaped her career and her mission to make a difference.
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Founding Casey House During The AIDS Crisis
- Jane Darville helped found Casey House as a hospice for people with AIDS when the disease was feared and poorly treated.
- Residents often arrived terminal and died within a short period because effective treatments did not yet exist.
June Callwood's Relentless Recruitment
- June Callwood recruited Jane onto the steering committee and persuaded many to commit long-term to creating Casey House.
- Darville became deeply involved administratively while still working in Metro Home Care to bring patients into the community.
Community Shift Eased Early Stigma
- Stigma and homophobia made fundraising and staffing Casey House very difficult in its early years.
- The arts community later stepped up because they were losing many people and sought to support renovations and care.