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JANICE ELAINE BOKKEL
Born: Apr 16, 1961
Date of Passing: Nov 21, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJANICE ELAINE BOKKEL
Janice Elaine Bokkel (née McRae) passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, November 21, 2023, with the love of her family surrounding her.
Janice McRae was born in Brandon, Manitoba, in 1961 to Allan and Margaret. Janice grew up on their family farm south of Brandon. She was a farm girl through and through. She’d prefer to be outside barefoot taking care of her cows, chickens, and garden. She often ended up knee deep in mud several times per year. Janice enjoyed playing baseball, broomball, and she knew her way around a curling rink. She was active in the South Brandon Carroll Beef Club for many years; first as a member, later as a parent, and finally as a leader for several years.
Janice met John Bokkel in school. Years later they connected at a ball game. They would marry in 1981. Janice and John welcomed daughter, Marja, in 1991 followed shortly by son, Christopher, in 1992. Christopher tragically passed away before Janice and John welcomed their second son, Jonathan, in 1994, and then Tonja in 1996. Janice was a devoted wife and mother. She was so proud of all of her children and gave them the best life she possibly could.
Janice was a woman of many passions including baking, canning, camping, crafting, gardening, water skiing, reading, and TV dramas. She also enjoyed her time working in Brandon at TD Bank for over 20 years. What she lacked in height, she made up for humour and spirit. Growing up, “to grow taller than Auntie Janice” became a family milestone as important as getting a driver's license. She loved all her 10 nieces and nephews and later on in life, her nine great-nieces and nephews. She sometimes would surprise everyone by doing something you’d never expect her to, like going over a jump on her bicycle or finally finishing a Christmas puzzle in July. She loved spending time at Oak Lake Beach in the summertime, soaking up the sun and making memories with her chosen family. She was known for her famous meatballs, pie crust, shortbread cookies, and of course her sense of humor. She always knew how to break the ice in any situation and she made everyone who knew her feel loved and very special.
Janice would go on to join John in traveling to the Netherlands, Mexico, Hawaii, and all over Canada during their years together. Janice also enjoyed girls trips to North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and Minnesota with her daughters and best friend Tammy. She often spoke of her trip to Scotland with Tonja. She loved it so much that her family is planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands to spread some of her ashes where the McRae clan originated.
Janice is leaving behind many people whom shared beautiful memories with her. She will be missed by her husband of 42 years, John; children, Marja (Jon), Jonathan, and Tonja; brother, Blair McRae (Lois); sister and brothers-in-law, Linda McRae-Walker (Ray), Alice Turner (David), Wendy Bouchard (Ron), Andrew Bokkel (Jennifer), and Wanda
te Bokkel (Chris); as well as numerous extended family members, and friends. She was loved by so many people that she considered family, Tammy and Arnold Jameson, Karen and John Williamson, Tammy and Ken Black.
Janice was predeceased by her parents, Allan and Margaret; sibling, Jeff; and son, Christopher.
A Celebration of Janice’s life was held at the Roseland Community Centre. An interment followed a few days later and Janice was laid to rest with her son Christopher surrounded by everyone who loved her.
The Bokkel family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make said event exactly what Janice would have wanted.
Memorial donations in honour of Janice may be made to Stars Ambulance Manitoba, 155 West Hanger Road, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3Z1.
As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 23, 2023, Dec 23, 2023