We are sad to announce Janette’s passing on December 16, 2023, at her home in Vernon BC. Janette is survived by her husband, Bud; daughters, Adelle and Katie; granddaughters, Addison and Evelyn, older sister Karen (Don) Gilmore, and numerous nieces, nephews, and family in Ontario. Janette is predeceased by both parents (Addison and Velma Jacques), her eldest sister Katherine Stychyshyn & Katherine’s husband Dan.

Janette was born in Listowel Ontario and grew up in Summerland BC. Janette loved telling stories of her idyllic childhood living in Lower Town and growing up in the Okanagan Valley before everyone discovered its beauty. A true Pisces, she loved the water and swimming and even taught many a Summerland youth how to swim at the original Rotary Beach, as a Red Cross Instructor in the 1960’s.

Janette married her husband Bud (whom she had known since childhood) in 1972.  She started her career working at the Bank of Montreal in 1971 at the Summerland branch, transferring to the Vernon branch in 1976 when the family moved to Vernon for Bud’s work. Janette loved working for the Bank of Montreal and achieved many successes as an Assistant Branch Manager and Financial Services Manager. She also cherished many of the long-lasting friendships that she created with her co-workers. She loved her Wednesday Coffee group in later years.  After close to 30 years of working, illness forced Janette to step away from her job.

Family and friends were always important to Janette. She loved spending time with her family, cooking and entertaining, and ensuring that everyone was well-fed. She loved her cats, her dogs, her books, and a good cup of tea or coffee and a cold beer.  When she was able, she also loved to spend time in nature. She also embraced technology and in later years loved her iPad and its ability to keep her mind active on puzzles and games, as well as emailing, texting, and Facetiming family, and friends.  She was never able to chastise her granddaughters for being on their devices because she was on hers just as much.

The health challenges Janette faced are too numerous to list, however, what can be said is that Janette faced every setback with grace and a mental toughness that was unparalleled. Ultimately, diagnosed with Anti-Synthetase Syndrome a rare auto-immune disease, she refused to let it stop her. Staying positive was important to Janette and she always said to look at the bright side of things was easier than dwelling on the bad.  Also, being a bit stubborn and having an excellent sense of humour helped Janette get through the tough times.  Janette was a beautiful soul inside and out and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Harold Yacyshyn and Dr. Blair Stanley for their kindness and care.

At Janette’s request, a funeral service will not be held. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Donations can be made in Janette’s memory to the Okanagan Humane Society, the BC Cancer Foundation, or the Heart and Stroke Fund.

 

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com