Patricia Anne Janzen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Anne Janzen (née Clancy), who died peacefully on August 12, 2026, in Surrey, British Columbia, at the age of 91.

Patricia was born on January 20, 1935, in Edmonton, Alberta, the eldest child of Hugh and Gilberte Clancy. When Patricia was two years old, the family moved to Manitoba, where she grew up. She was predeceased by her brother, Hugh Clancy, and is survived by her younger sister, Kathleen Paterson.

Patricia discovered her calling in nursing and graduated from the St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing in 1956. In 1958, she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a nurse and was stationed near Baden-Baden, Germany. It was there that she met her first husband, John “Chuck” Irwin. They married in 1961 and settled in Vancouver, British Columbia, where they raised their four children: Kathleen Irwin, Jim Irwin, Anne Minchin and Jennifer Irwin.

Patricia was a devoted mother and grandmother. She and Chuck raised their four children: Kathleen Irwin, Jim Irwin, Anne Minchin and Jennifer Irwin. She took great pride in her family and cherished the many grandchildren who brought so much joy to her life. Kathleen’s daughters are Lauren and Rhiannon Perry; Anne and her husband Mike have sons Matthew and Kevin Minchin; and Jennifer has children Nicholas and Katherine Rice.

Patricia and Chuck separated in 1983. Patricia later married Hal Janzen, becoming part of a blended family that she embraced wholeheartedly. Hal’s children, Douglas Janzen, Krista Woods and Lisa Nishihata, and their families became an important part of Patricia’s life. Douglas and Debbie have sons Benjamin and Thomas; Krista and Patrick have children Brendan, Jordan and Danielle; and Lisa and Paul have daughters Ashley and Chelsea.

Patricia spent much of her working life caring for others. Following her years in hospital nursing, she worked in a variety of settings, including as a nurse at Sears department store, at Oakalla Women’s Prison in Burnaby, and at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam. Profound hearing loss eventually led her to leave nursing, but she continued to care for others as a home-care aide.

Outside of work and family, Patricia was an avid reader and enjoyed golf and travelling with Hal. She had a strong personality, a quick mind and an unmistakable way of making her opinions known. In her later years in Surrey, she especially cherished time with her family—and, true to form, never hesitated to keep everyone organized and occasionally boss us all around.

Patricia will be remembered for her strength, independence, dedication to caring for others, love of family, and her wonderfully spirited personality. She leaves behind a large family who will miss her presence, her stories, her laughter, and her unmistakable voice in all matters, large and small.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, sister, extended family and friends.

Rest in peace, Mom, Grandma, and Patricia. You will be greatly missed.