Our special little sister left this world on November 6, 2010. Predeceased by her parents Edgar and Jessie, her grandparents Emanuel and Ann Eckman and Andrew and Margaret Stratton, her older brother Wayne and her brother-in-law Melvin Richardt, she is now back in their loving arms. Janice is dearly missed by her sister Pat and her “boys” – her brothers, Neil (Erika) and Philip, sister-in-law Rose, special niece Laura Sommerville and her family and many other nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as her many friends in Revelstoke including long-time sweetheart Tony Bucovaz, who she called “her man”.
Janice was born with Down’s syndrome on September 3, 1958 in Golden, B.C., and although she was a special needs child, she led a happy, healthy and productive life. She attended special schools in Golden and Creston. After her parents died she moved to a group home with Community Living in Revelstoke. She loved her life there where one of her jobs was to cut the grass, a job she took on willingly and with great zeal. She also worked in the community at A & W, Community Living Teahouse and delivered baking to Coopers Bakery. In later years she loved her job of tearing out pages from telephone books in preparation for shredding at the local recycling plant. Janice delighted in her participation in the Special Olympics and won many medals and trophies in bowling and snowshoeing, for her team and herself. Gifted with a delightful sense of humour and endless unconditional love, Janice shared it willingly with her family and friends. We will all miss the little “pats” on the back she gave when she hugged you. While opening gifts on Christmas morning she enjoyed every moment and was a joy to watch.
Janice was lovingly accepted into the home of her special friends Kelly and Dale Riguedell and their family. She lived as part of their family for the past 12 years. Janice enjoyed the outdoors, and loved to go to the lake, where she liked to sleep in her bunk bed in “the log cabin”. She would take her Swiss Army knife and go fishing with Dale. Dale would let her drive the boat, a great thrill for her on her outdoor adventures.
As her health declined, Janice moved into Mt. Cartier Court Cottages at Queen Victoria Hospital, where she made many new friends, including Willie, who liked to hold her hand during the weekly sing song. Janice remained at Mt. Cartier until passing away peacefully.
Janice’s family would especially like to thank her best friend Kelly Riguedell (affectionately known as “Waggy”) and her family Dale, Stefani, Tracey and Kimberly, as well as Kelly and Dale’s grandchildren Griffin, Norah and Miller (who called her “Granny Jan”) for all the love and support that they gave over the years to our little sister “Toodie.” Also, heartfelt thanks to Dr. S. Brown, Melissa and the staff at Queen Victoria Hospital and Mt. Cartier Court Cottages for their excellent care.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home on Wednesday morning, November 10th at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment near her parents in Mountain View (Legion Cemetery) in Golden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the B.C. Special Olympics, #210 – 3701 East Hastings Street, Burnaby, B.C. V6C 2H6, in memory of Janice.
Arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
