Passed away on Sunday afternoon November 25, 2007
Janny (Jeannette) passed away peacefully, after many years of pain and suffering, which she fought with a smile, she did succumb to the combined onslaught of multiple illnesses. She is now with her Lord God, at peace and again can see the stars she missed so much. Janny was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on August 30, 1938. As a child, her family moved to Coleman and then to Calgary, Alta., following the railroad. Her father, John Thomas McGinnis, had a great loving influence on her young life. There was a great bond of love between them. She often talked of the experiences on the steam train trips to Field, B.C. from Calgary. ‘Daddy’ driving the engine and her in the coach, watched over by the conductor, munching on ‘CPR ham sandwiches’. Next morning steaming home after spending the night in the field CPR bunkhouse with ‘Daddy’. Her beloved granny, Margret Sara McGinnis (nee O’Conner) whom she stayed with often, taught her about the Lord God, ‘Holy Stoning’ a pine floor, polishing brass, cooking, baking and family. She would tell Janny “You will always be lace curtain, Colleen, remember that” and “never abide a bog walker.” Janny often felt the comfort of the weight of ‘her granny’ on her shoulder. Her beloved grandpa William McGinnis was a civil engineer who built railroad between Edmonton and Jasper, Alta. Janny and her grampa had many discussions. She was always curious and would question facts, rules and religion. Grampa would always answer her questions with honesty and clarity. “You can do whatever you wish to do” and “never give up on your dreams”. ‘Pop’, her beloved step-grandfather Pruden was raised by the Cree Indians (his mother and father died during the flu epidemic). Janny spent many summers with him and Granny at Wabamun Lake. He would make ‘fairy bowers’ so she could discover them and talk to ‘the wee folk’. She still did not deny there are ‘wee folk’. She absorbed a surprising knowledge from him about illicit fishing, ice fishing with a net, orphaned wolves, coyote, deer and gophers. This child grew into the beautiful, loving woman I married on June 20, 1959. She loved with an open heart, without condition. Her greatest joy and happiness was family and grandchildren. She loved music. She had a clear soprano voice and loved to sing. She sang in many choirs, years ago. Music was also a salvation, many times she would immerse herself in music to ease the pain. She loved fishing and giggled when she ‘outfished” me - which was often! Janny had an amazing flair for decorating. Together we were able to make our little house, a home. Nikki, a large Akita/Chow runaway, adopted her. Nikki jumped into the back seat of her little Honda; terrified her at first. But that dog’s love for her won out. A protective bond was formed and it lasted until Nikki passed on. Janny loved flowers and plants. She would take the scrawniest specimen and make it thrive, evidenced by the legacy I must now care for. She loved windchimes and birds, especially hummingbirds, swallows, a flight of geese and “Oh! A flight of swans!” A Piliated Woodpecker would visit her often as she sat in her sunroom. She was a wonderful cook. She got so much joy in family dinners, especially Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Janny nursed at Grace Maternity Hospital, Calgary; King’s Daughters Hospital, Duncan, B.C.; nursed for a vascular surgeon (Geo. Robb), New Westminster, B.C. all over a span of 25 years. Her nursing career was ended by a severe motor vehicle accident. She volunteered often: for example she was instrumental in establishing the Women’s Centre in Coquitlam, B.C.; chaired the Hospice and Palliative Care Society in 100 Mile House. She was instrumental in the acquisition of the first palliative care mattress for 100 Mile Hospital. Janny is sorely missed by her best friend and love, husband Ed Lau. He must come to terms with the reality and the loss. She is the loving mother of Michelle (Steve) McClay; Maureen (Lyle) Stranach; Mark (Michelle) Lau; grandmother and beloved Nana to Michael, Brandon, Amanda, Jean Marc, Logan, Christopher, Alyse, Chelsey, Jennifer and Sean. Cremation by her request. Memorial Service by her request at 100 Mile House at 100 Mile Funeral Service was held on Dec. 1, 2007. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Hospice and Palliative Care Society. So much deep appreciation and thanks to: Sonja, who cared for Janny as a daughter; Drs. Barb and Blair Main; Dr. Koen Geerts, Dr. Leila Klopper and their staff at the clinic; to all the nurses and staff at 100 Mile Hospital for their care and compassion for Janny - I am eternally grateful.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.100milefuneralservice.com
100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd. entrusted with the arrangements. 395-3243