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JANICE CHANCE
For the record, Janice Chance died on June 8, 2020.
She had been expected to die a number of times over the course of her life, especially in the fall of 2019. She suffered from a form of blood cancer called Myelodysplastic Syndrome. It resulted from the massive chemotherapy she received in the mid-1990s for breast cancer. Janice survived the breast cancer despite doctors estimating her chances at no more than 20%. However, the chemo all but destroyed her bone marrow over the next 24 years. Thanks to the wonderful staff and volunteers of CancerCare at Victoria Hospital and elsewhere, Janice pressed on, undergoing a more targeted form of chemo, plus blood transfusions, but the long-term outlook remained rather grim.
In early October of 2019 I finally had to call paramedics to take her to hospital after a severe blood infection made the situation considerably worse. Rather quickly it was projected that Janice had "no more than four weeks to live". It was likely she would not see Christmas, let alone the first grandchild who was expected to be born in Toronto in early March. She was moved to Palliative Care at Riverview, in the neighbourhood which had been home to her family for decades. The standing orders were to provide 'comfort care' and pain relief, nothing heroic. Suddenly in November it was decided to try one more blood transfusion. Lo and behold it turned out to be an absolute game changer as all of Janice's blood numbers rose dramatically. Might it have been a 'remission' of some sort? Probably not but by mid-January it became apparent that Janice would soon no longer qualify for the level of magnificent end of life care that Riverview provided. She was living, not dying!
By February 11 she was out of her hospital bed and we were headed home to our lovely apartment at Hampton House on Wellington Crescent. In the halls of Riverview and elsewhere her case came to be known as the Janice Miracle.
How fortunate it was that she was able to come home before all hospital visiting was shut down by Covid-19. What a strange year this has been.
The 'miracle' lasted almost six months and we cherished every hour of every single day. Part of the unexpected bonus for Janice was the birth of the beautiful granddaughter, Penelope, in Toronto on March 5. In the weeks that followed she enjoyed many hours of wonderful Face Time, and she was absolutely thrilled to be a grandma.
The wonderful love story of Janice and Roger began in December of 2011 as I was preparing to return to Winnipeg. I moved into Hampton House the following May after ending a broadcasting career in Saskatchewan. What followed were eight glorious years together that can only be described as 'priceless'. I am so very glad we didn't miss them. We were married on a beautiful Saturday in August of 2015.
Janice Smith was born in Lestock, Saskatchewan on February 4. Then came many rewarding years growing up in Regina. She graduated from Central Collegiate, and then trained as a teacher before moving to Winnipeg in 1968 to take a job with the Winnipeg School Division. She taught Grade one at several local schools, including Grosvenor, Principal Sparling, Wellington and two stops at Mulvey. She married Murray Chance in 1982 and they were proud parents of two boys, Spencer and Taylor, as well as Murray's son Jeff.
Murray died in 1989. Janice was also predeceased by her parents, Eldridge and Marie Smith, and many other extended family members.
In addition to Spencer, Taylor and granddaughter Penelope, Janice is survived by her loving brother George in Regina, plus my daughter Katie and her family in Winnipeg.
After retiring from teaching, Janice also had some rewarding years doing furniture sales and home staging. She also enjoyed volunteering for a number of organizations, especially the Friends of Winnipeg's Millennium Library.
I loved and admired Janice for many reasons. In particular I truly marvelled at what a splendid friend she was. We shall all her miss her more than anyone can possibly imagine.
According to Janice's wishes, there will be no funeral service.
Donations can be made in her memory to the Riverview Foundation https://www.rhc.mb.ca/
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2020
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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My deepest condolences to you Roger and to Jeff, Spencer and Taylor. I knew Janice and then Janice and Murray (& Jeff!) from 1969 through the 70's till I moved to Vancouver in 1981. She was first my roommate and then continued as a very dear friend. We had many good times. Janice was a delight. While she was in her last year, we caught up a wee bit on emaiI. Cinderella, of course. I try to remember her as Cinderella! I realize today I still miss her. I am only glad to know that she met you Roger, later in life and that she had your support through such a difficult time. For that I am truly grateful. - Posted by: Tomina (friend and former roommate) on: Oct 08, 2021
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Jeff and I didn't know Janice well, but she was a lovely neighbour and very kind to us when we moved in across the hall. We were always very happy to see her and spend a few minutes catching up. - Posted by: Jeff and Tanya (Neighbour) on: Sep 22, 2020
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I am saddened to know of Jan's passing and extend my sympathy to you Roger and her cherished family. I worked with Jan at Mulvey school in the late 1980's. Jan was a primary teacher and I was resource and crisis intervention. Mulvey had just been designated an inner city school and was going through all the twists and challenges that came with the change. Jan was positive, cheery, neat and somehow beaming, in my memory. She reminded me of a young woman in a musical, undaunted by the tragedies surrounding her. No wonder everyone adored her. For she adored them. What a wonderful example she is for us. I will remember her and find her image within me when I need to see things her way. Thank you Jan. - Posted by: LaurelAnderson- McCallum (Colleague) on: Jun 21, 2020
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Janice was our next door neighbour in Riverview when our children were young. Taylor and our daughter were in the same grade. I enjoyed Janice’s openness, sense of humour and friendliness. What a great person! She will be missed very much by all those who knew her. Fran Gropp and Jerry Ameis - Posted by: Fran Gropp (neighbour) on: Jun 19, 2020
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Dear Roger and Family, I met Janice many years ago when our husbands were friends. I was taken with her kindness, beautiful nature and her stunning smile. We reconnected a few years ago and enjoyed some lunches and a Jets game together. She will be missed. She was a very special person. Jan Lowe - Posted by: Jan Lowe (Friend ) on: Jun 16, 2020
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My condolences to Roger. It was a joy to spend time with you and Janice at your apartment. My wife Sharon, (deceased January 16, 2020) and Janice, were very close, growing up together in Regina and Katepwa. May you receive comfort in your 8 years of precious memories with a special lady. Brian Wood - Posted by: Brian Wood (cousin) on: Jun 15, 2020
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I met Janice many years ago when she was married to Murray. In those days, there were lots of parties and fun! We did keep in touch sporadically over the years and I was so happy to have visited Janice at Riverview in January. She was one of the nicest women I’ve had the privilege of knowing, with a gentle heart and great sense of humour. My sincere condolences to Roger and Janice’s children and granddaughter. Love Karen - Posted by: Karen Asgeirson (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2020
