Jane Mary (Ostler) Groenewegen was born in Exeter, Ontario on November 8th, 1956. Following completion of high school in St. Mary’s, Ontario, Mrs. Groenewegen left home for Hay River. She met a wide cross-section of people in Hay River while working at the Northern Transportation Co. Ltd., the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and filling casual positions at the H.H. Williams Memorial Hospital and the Hay River RCMP Detachment.  She became a self-employed businessperson in 1978.

A resident of Hay River since 1974, Mrs. Groenewegen has been active in community affairs. She served on Hay River's Town Council, Youth Justice Committee, Tourism Advisory Board and Community Education Council.  She served a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Her community service also includes several years as President of the Hay River and the NWT Chamber’s of Commerce.

Mrs. Groenewegen was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on October 16th, 1995. After four productive years, she was returned to the 14th Assembly by acclamation on December 6th, 1999. Mrs. Groenewegen served for approximately two years as the Minister of Health and Social Services, Deputy Premier, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities and the Minister responsible for the Status of Women. Mrs. Groenewegen was elected to a third term in the Legislative Assembly on November 24th, 2003 and served as the Deputy Speaker and as a regular Member.  Mrs. Groenewegen was elected to a fourth term as Member for Hay River South on October 1, 2007.

Mrs. Groenewegen and her husband Richard have three children: Jordan (Kathleen), Jeffrey (Kandace), Jillian, and two grandchildren, Julianne and Grayson.