JANIS BOONSTRA

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JANIS BOONSTRA (SWINTON) November 18, 1945 - September 25, 2016 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Janis Boonstra, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, at her home in Meadows at the age of 70. She leaves to mourn her husband Bert of 50 years; three children, Kim (Vince), Rob (Tammy), Brian (Jackie); ten grandchildren, Jenna (Erik), Stephanie (Nolan), Jonathan (Taylor), Emily (Will), Jodie (Lucas), Chelsea, Chantal (Brendon), Madeline, Gerrit, and Thomas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Anne Haarsma, Carl and Pearl Boonstra, and Ernie Boklaschuk; many cousins in the Coggan and Rothwell families; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents John and Muriel Swinton, mother and father-in-law Pearl and George Boonstra; sister-in-law Grace Boklaschuk, and brother-in-law John Haarsma. Mom was born November 18, 1945 in Winnipeg, the only child of John and Muriel (Coggan) Swinton. She grew up in a loving home but it wasn't always easy as they moved 12 times between Winnipeg, Rosser, and Woodlands, spending a lot of time with aunts and uncles and her grannie and grandpa Rothwell. She frequently talked of all the good times of singing, dancing and piano playing around the kitchen table at the Rothwell house in Woodlands as well as many good times of card playing with the Coggans and aunty Irene and uncle Jim Rothwell in Meadows. She made many great lifelong friends while going to school in Rosser and enjoyed fantastic summer holidays in Vancouver and Seattle with her aunt Flo Swinton and aunt Mar Reid. On October 23, 1965 mom and dad were married and built a new house on the farm where she would raise her children, spoil her grandchildren and spend almost 51 wonderful years with dad. There was never a dull moment on the Boonstra Farm, farming alongside uncle Carl and Aunty Pearl and family and they enjoyed many great years, working hard, having coffee together, lots of laughing, they had such a wonderful relationship, it truly was a farm family success story. In 1979 Mom went to work in the city and worked her way up to the U of M Family Medicine Residency Program at Seven Oaks Hospital where she loved her job and made many great lifelong friends. It was a big deal for us kids for her to go to work and we remember her coming home after her first pay cheque with new runners for us all, and they weren't the plain kind that we had been used too!! We were so lucky. Mom was involved in many things and served on the boards of Meadows Community Club, Meadows Ladies Club, Warren United Church, Warren Minor Hockey, Minor Ball, Skating Club, and spent many Tuesday mornings at the Meadows Quilting Club. She loved being involved at the hall and helping cook and clean for the fall suppers and dinner dances where she had so much fun with her friends and family. Mom loved to host parties and they had so many great times with friends having suppers and drinks, playing cards, laughing, making popcorn lathered in butter, visiting, and in the Meadows area she could even get a Swedish Massage at any time! She loved all of her friends so dearly and right up until the time of her passing she was still going out for lunches, and hosting and attending supper parties. Mom and dad spent many great years camping and traveling, taking winter holidays in Texas and Florida with special friends and making new friends but one thing was always consistent, everywhere she went was always the most beautiful place she had ever been, even if it was just a campground! Mom loved and lived for her family. It was her most important thing. She was there for every celebration, every birthday party, tried to attend as many sporting, music, and school events that she could for all of her children and especially her grandchildren. If she couldn't make it there was always a phone call, always kind words of encouragement. She was so proud of her grandchildren. It didn't matter if they were the best or the worst as long as they were trying hard and having fun. Her house was a revolving door of kids running in and out for treats, playing rummy cub, watching movies, any sort of game or entertainment was always around the corner and the kids knew that grandma meant fun. She made each and every grandchild feel that they were so special. Mom was a firm believer that most things could be fixed with hugs and kisses but treats, salt, butter and ice cream went a long way. Over the past 20 years mom battled many health problems and for the most part you would never know it. She would put on her makeup and do her hair and somehow kept on going, looking fantastic like nothing was wrong. Mom truly made a wonderful life for herself and dad, and made the best out of life that she could. She will be so deeply missed by all her friends and family. The family would like to thank all of the health care staff for taking such wonderful care of our mother over so many years including the many doctors and nurses who got to know her so well. Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E OV9 or a local charity of one's choice. "Grandma we will miss you" MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2016