JANICE ELAINE SMITH

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JANICE ELAINE SMITH

July 5, 1957 - March 10, 2024

Peacefully, surrounded by the LOVE of her family, we sadly announce the passing of our BEST sister, Aunty, Nanty and friend EVER, Janice; or as many called her, “Jano.” She has been taken from us way too soon. She will forever be etched in our hearts.

Left to cherish her memory is her brother Lorne and sister-in-law Susan; the loves of her life, nephew Raymond (Jenny), Mackenzie, Raymond; niece, Tabby (Brian), Myla, Tori and Will; aunts, uncles, cousins along with a boatload of great friends near and far. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Raymond and Dora.

Janice was born and raised in Gimli. She loved her family, curling, bonspieling, watching curling, cooking, a great bargain, hanging out with friends, being the hostess with the mostest and most recently heading down with her friends to the Legion meat draws. Aunty loved to travel to warm destinations. Her love was her home in Mexico, ‘Casa Del Ray,’ which means “home of Ray.” She spent many years living in Mexico and made so many friends that she will forever cherish.

She always had a love for children. She took night courses and Saturday courses at Red River so that she could get her ECE II Diploma. She’d always say that on a good morning, she could make it from home to Red River in 57 minutes! She dedicated 26 ½ years of her life working at the Gimli Children’s Centre. She embraced every minute of it! She loved the kids and all of her co-workers. She was so thankful to work with them, they were like family.

Alongside being an extremely dedicated childcare worker, she was the BEST Aunty/Nanty anyone could ask for! Blizzards for breakfast before the waterslides at Wet and Wild, most definitely; Tinkertown every summer, of course; Wheelies and bring your friends too, let’s go; breakfast at the Lake Inn every weekend, who’s coming; practice driving for your driver’s test all over the Interlake, be right there; take you out to Gimli Countryfest when you’re 12, we’ll be safe; a ride anywhere, what time; watch us while they were in the fish shed, never a question; drive to hockey or ringette, undoubtedly; trips to the States, buckle up; come watch hockey games, anytime; take you to the beach, always; Red Lobster, Olive Garden, you name it; wedding days, wouldn’t miss it; Christmas concerts, I’ll be there before the doors open; cruising with the top down in the Stang, “hell yeah;” all day shopping excursions, pick you up at 7:30; take you to your first concert (New Kids on the Block), let’s do dinner first; graduation days, with pleasure; your favourite cheesecake, coming right up; McDonald’s Playland, I’ll sit here as long as you want; Mexican perogies, no problem; Paco’s party, absolutely . . . the list goes on . . . so making sure she was at peace and pain free, without question. Our lives wouldn’t have been the same without her.

Her true passion was when she was gifted the “grands,” as she would refer to them. She was always extremely thankful that her brother and sister-in-law shared their “grands” with her as if they were her own. It meant the most to her in her life.

We have lost the BRAVEST, kindest, best, most giving, joyful soul with the largest heart of gold. She had so much love for everyone. She has touched so many lives in her journey and was forever grateful for all of the friends she made along life’s path.

On behalf of Aunty and our family we would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to friends and family, near and far, who have supported us during this difficult time. Heartfelt thanks to Dr Ade, Trudy, Gimli EMS and the wonderful staff at Gimli hospital. She was so at ease knowing you were there Cindy. Sincerest thanks to Lori, Tracy and Bernie, we couldn’t have done this without you.

At Janice’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if you so choose, Janice would like you to think of her at Christmas time and donate a toy to your local toy bin. This was always very near and dear to her heart.

Aunty always said to live life to the fullest, you never know what tomorrow will bring. How true is that. Like Aunty said, “It’s all good; it is what it is! I had a wonderful life.” “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” - Abraham Lincoln

Hasta la vista, baby!

NEIL BARDAL

FUNERAL CENTRE

204-949-2200

neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2024, Mar 16, 2024