To the family of Mrs. Woodside,

It is with a sad heart that Mrs. Woudside has lost her battle with cancer.

As stated by another former student of Mrs. Woodside at Dr. George M. Weir School. Mrs. Woodside was my home room teacher if I recall correctly in the late 60s or early 70s and Art Teacher.  It would have been the same time when Mr. Woodside was at Killarney Secondary School “up the hill”. She was one of my favourite teachers.

God Bless and take care,
Dale Law

Woody

My deepest condolences to you and your family!   

Randy Coutts

I remember Jan as an excellent counsellor and gracious hostess. The end of year parties she and Woody hosted were legendary. Seven though it's many years since I'd seen her I was very sorry to hear of her passing.A brave soul.

Tomorrow is Jan's "Celebration of Life" and although I am unable to make it (I live in the Toronto area), as her oldest "best friend", I will be remembering her with great fondness along with you all, thinking especially of Woody, Jan's Mom, Florence, and Randy, her brother. Here are a collection of my memories to add to this precious record.

I met Jan long before Woody. We were in Grade Six at Strathmillan Elementary School in Winnipeg. Tall, freckled, and a little bit gangly, Jan's lovely features, thick hair (which, in Junior High, adapted to the most perfect 'Flip' - THE hairstyle of the late fifties, early sixties), and sparkling, dark eyes foreshadowed the beauty she would become. 

We were both avid readers  of Nancy Drew mystery stories, and "The Adventure" series by Enid Blyton, and could hardly wait till our holds came into the St. James library for the next story in the series we were devouring. We made up our own mystery stories too, and once convinced ourselves that there was a ghost in my basement Rec room who turned on the tv "supernaturally". When we 'saw' this happen, and I shouted, "It's a ghost!" while racing for the stairs, somehow, Janice, who was far behind me landed on the top step first, out of breath. The mystery to solve at that point was how she ever managed that!

Our bikes were our constant companions. I remember our taking a picnic lunch and bicycling down the long, dusty, country road behind Assiniboia Downs, discussing how we, like Nancy Drew, should go to the police station and ask for an unsolvable crime. Jan was a little more rooted in reality than I, and thought it was unlikely that they would do anything but laugh at us. She talked me out of it, but I'm still not convinced.

Our bikes also took us to the beautiful Assiniboine Park where we would ride along the banks of the river. The highlight of those park rides was in the form of a deep gully along the wooded path. Amidst shouts of laughter, we would fly on our bikes to the bottom and half-way up the other side, our legs like wings at our sides. There was always the element of friendly competition too. Whose bike would climb higher on the incline side? And at school, who would get the higher marks? I always passed her by a smidgin', but she always far outdid me in the number of friends she drew into her circle. Her other 'best friends' never bothered me though, because Janice always loyally returned to me after she 'lost her way' for a spell.

Jan's birthday was in December and mine was the following February. When she turned 13, her mother let her wear lipstick (Grade 8). My Mom wouldn't allow lipstick till I was 16. How often I dreamed of trading Moms!

What struck me most about Jan, even as children and young teens, was her kindness. She had an annoying little brother, Randy (sorry, Rand, I speak as an 11 year old), who loved to interfere with whatever we were doing, but Jan was always kind and gentle with him. I marvelled at and admired those virtues because  i was only too self-aware that I lacked them, totally. 

She did a chalk sketch of me in Grade Ten that was a remarkable likeness, only flattering. I asked her about that ... and she said that she was aware of my sensitivity about some of my features and intentionally softened them.

At 15, Janice won a teenage modelling contest sponsored by The Bay. What struck me about her, however, was that she didn't pursue the vanity of the modelling world and she never was struck on herself. I continued to be her best friend, though after that event, she was pursued by many of "the beautiful people".

At the back of Grade 11 Biology class, we shared a table. Our teacher, Mr. Jones, put us in seats according to our grades, with the lowest grades being in front of his desk. Jan and I were right by the back door! Mr. Jones let us talk quietly, draw pictures and pass notes - as long as we got good grades. As a result, it was in the back of that class that we dreamed and planned our Great Escape  of travelling Europe together on motorcycles once we finished our post-secondary education. Perhaps unknown to him, Woody was the one who put the kibosh to those exciting plans. Stay tuned.

Janice and I attended Grade 11 Grad with our double-dates in a car the four of us took days to decorate with hand-made, paper pom poms. For the dinner and dance, Janice wore a beautiful tiara in her perfect Flip hairdo (I had never seen a tiara before, and thought she looked like a princess). I sported third-degree burns on my face from falling asleep in the sun, and wore an orange chiffon grad dress to match! Jan and her date were so thoughtful, ending the evening early as I felt sick after the supper, and shortly into the dance. "I really wasn't having that great a time any way," was her comment as the foursome drove me home. A beautiful, empathic soul.

After Grade 11, Jan's family moved to Vancouver. I was heart-broken. It took many, many years before I made other friends who could even remotely fill the void. Perhaps the truth is that no one ever was the soul-mate friend that that childhood Janice was. She was the Diana to my Ann (of Green Gables).

Fast-forward, and Jan finished Teacher's College and perhaps her first year of teaching Art at George Meir Elementary School. Woody had come into her life and their relationship was serious. Jan telephoned me long-distance to say, "Dena, we need to take that trip to Europe now if we are going to make it happen!" I was part way through my Honours English degree at United College, Winnipeg, and had no money. Rather than give up our strong dream, however, Jan went on her own that summer and I followed suit several years later. While abroad, Janice met a handsome Latin man (I think a Greek) who swept her off her feet, and proposed marriage. She came home with a dizzy head and confused heart, uncertain what future she should choose. It was not long, however, after some soul-searching, that she realized that 'The Latin Love' was an infatuation while her other Love, and Best Friend, Woody, was the man she wanted to marry.

Fifty years after we had first met in Grade Six, I attended a conference in the Vancouver area and saw Janice again. Although we had kept touch periodically, our lives had taken very different courses. I was/am a committed follower of my Lord, Jesus, an evangelical Christian, and Jan was not. We both wondered if we would have anything in common. Jan picked me up at the airport, and, to our great surprise and wonder, it wasn't long before we experienced the deep bond and joy we had always known in each other's company. On that trip, I also met Woody for the first and only time while enjoying Jan's home-cooking, prepared with fresh produce from her garden.

Since then, Jan and I have phoned each other on our birthdays and sent letters/notes at Christmas. Jan never failed to "send loving thoughts" while I walked alongside my beloved Rick when he was dying of bladder cancer (2012). And she shared a little of her cancer journey with me. I didn't know, however, of her heroic struggle with cancer this year, and I am so sorry that I didn't.

Thank you, Woody, for letting me know of Jan's passing. My world, as yours and many others', is smaller because of her loss. I love Henri Nouwen's profound insight in these words: Jan will continue to speak to us through "the ministry of absence." Nouwen elaborates that when a loved one is no longer present with us, we remember what is most 'true, noble, and lovely" about them, and their virtues inspire us to live better, in their memory.

I was sad to hear of Mrs Woodside's passing. She was my counsellor at David Thompson in the early 90s and she helped me through alot during my time at DT. I always remember her for being such a kindhearted lady and wonderful to work with.. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I truly feel blessed and honored that Mrs. Woodside was a part of my life.


Our condolences to the family.  It is our honour to provide professional videography coverage for this celebration.  www.dynamicevents.ca

We are deeply saddened to hear of Janice's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may the memories of your life together help to get you through this very difficult time.

Woody, it was a very sad day when I received this news. I feel very fortunate to have been able to meet Jan at our soccer and golf events through the years. It didn't take more than a few minutes to see what a beautiful person she was and what a special love and marriage you two shared. My heart goes out to you and I hope all the great memories you shared together over the many years and the fact that there are a great deal of people thinking of and praying for you will help you get through this very difficult time. To you and your families..... please accept my sincere deepest condolences on the loss of Jan, a one of a kind wife and human being. I can't help but think what what a better place the world would be if more people lived their life the way she did.

Rob Therrien

Janice Woodside represented our John Oliver Class of 1979 as Girls' Counsellor. My thoughts go out to the Weaver and Woodside Families and their friends for their loss. I remember when I was introduced to her in 1974 she seemed so young then, and now to lose her at such a young age- there are no words.

Mrs. Woodside was my school counsellor at JO for 5 years and as I left was Also for my little sister for the next 5 years..  She was always upbeat, kind, compassionate and tried to see things from a "teenagers" point of view. She is fondly and lovingly remembered by our family.  Our deepest condolences to the family and friends she leaves behind. She made a difference to so many, may that bring a sense of comfort. You are remembered as one that brought hope to a "teenager" through some difficult times.

Mrs. Woodside was my guidance counsellor at John Oliver.  She was my solid rock, my confidant and a friend while going through tough times in High School. She was always guiding me with kindness, gentleness and compassion.  It was always uplifting when I go and see and talk to her with my problems and joys! RIP Mrs. Woodside! My deepest condolences and prayers for you and the families you left behind ❤❤

Mrs Woodside was my counselor  at John Oliver. She was such a role model, caring and kind. She guided  you in the right path with gentleness and humour.  My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends,  You were and always will be an amazing lady who touched so many lives.  May you rest in peace , you will never be forgotten.

My deepest condolences to family and friends. Mrs. Woodside was my guidance counsellor at John Oliver School. She was gracious, patient and so kind. I will always remember her with fondness and I will not forget her beautiful smile. She made such a difference in so many people's lives. Rest in peace.

Deepest sympathies

Dear Woody,
My most sincere condolences!
Gilles  (Aerts)

Jan was beautiful both inside and out. As a counsellor, she had great empathy for both students and teachers . She was kind and considerate always as well as possessing a fab sense of humour. And positively the only woman in the world that looked ravishing in orange.
 
Jan, you will be missed!

It is with sadness that I read of Miss Weaver's passing. Miss Weaver (as I knew her) was my grade 6 teacher at George Weir elementary school. Even though that was well over 45 years ago I remember her well through the eyes of an 11 year old. She always had the biggest warmest smile and was so kind and gentle. Perfect writing on the chalk board. A beautiful person and I remember always beautifully dressed. I still remember her after all these years as she made an impression on me. My condolences to her family. With sympathy from a past student.

Our sincere condolences, Duane. 
Lino and Audrey Bragagnolo

Jan was an amazing mentor, gracious friend and gifted counsellor. Her empathy, kindness and ability to inspire and instil confidence in our David Thompson students will forever make a difference in their lives .  A cherished  colleague she lit up a room with her infectious laugh and ability to make everyone feel special. We will miss her dearly.

Ann and Wyatt Bolton

I will never forget Jan's wide smile and love of a good laugh. She was one of the people I looked up to when I first started at David Thompson Secondary. Our sympathy and condolences.

Ian Macleod and family.

Jan was such a beautiful person inside and out who always brought a smile to your face. Her wonderful laugh warmed you heart.

My parents, Ted and Shirley Daley, spoke warmly of Janice over the years.  They were also teachers. Please accept our condolences and best wishes.. Carolyn Daley (the middle daughter).

We feel your pain.  It is with our deepest sorrow in the loss of your Dear Wife and best friend. We are always here if you need a helping hand or open ears. Our love is with you always Duane. 
Barry and Sue

Jan equals sunshine.  Her love and laughter are sorely missed.  I love you Jan.

Thinking of you Woody. Jan's Mum, Brother, Family member's and many friend's coping with the loss of Jan taken by the cancer that she fought so valiantly, especially the past year.
Jan was a dearly loved friend who made our lives so richer enjoying her wonderful sense of humor. Her special talent's as a Artist and Gardener greatly admired.No more pain now. Rest In Peace dear friend. Love, June

OBITUARY

Janice Woodside

First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

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