Janice Elaine Hales

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Elaine Hales on July 13, 2026; one day after her 88th birthday.

Janice will be sadly missed and forever cherished by her daughters: Susan Hales (Mark Unger), Dawna Hales–Massé (Gérard Massé), and Christine Hales Pavagadhi (Mev Pavagadhi); by her grandchildren Ryle (Marc) and Ethan Unger, Alec, Émilie and Luc Massé, and Kira (Braden) and Cady Pavagadhi; by her sister Karen MacDonald, nieces and nephews Stephen, Laura, Jacie, Meagan, Chris and Corey; and many friends and neighbours.

Janice was predeceased by her beloved husband William George Angus “Gus” Hales, brother Don MacDonald, and parents George and Marie MacDonald. It brings us peace knowing that Janice and Gus have now been reunited.

Janice was born in Ochre River, and raised in Brookdale, Manitoba. She met the love of her life, Gus, in Brandon and they were married on November 14, 1959. They lived in Brandon before eventually making their home in Winnipeg.

Janice studied nursing at Brandon General Hospital. After a brief time working in Brandon and Minnedosa, she spent the remainder of her career at Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg. She was an exceptionally skilled and caring nurse who loved children and their ability to find joy and play even in the most difficult of situations. She truly loved her calling. Over the course of her career Janice progressed from ward nurse to Head Nurse of Children’s Medicine (4 North), and ultimately to Nursing Supervisor for Children’s Hospital. She was very involved in designing the current Children’s Hospital, ensuring it was best suited for the care of the patients. She was integral in establishing an adolescent ward within the Children’s Hospital, where teens needing treatment could heal together. Even with these responsibilities Janice was always focused on family before career and never missed an event, game or milestone in her girls’ lives. This family focus continued to her grandchildren where she built special relationships with each of them, knew and discussed all of their interests and attended many of their games as well.

Upon her retirement she and Gus pursued their second passion, travel, and spent quality time with their grandchildren. Janice loved exploring the world and until her passing could recall details of her travels in vivid detail much to the awe and enjoyment of those around her. Time with family was Janice’s greatest joy. Her home in Fort Garry was a fixture, with her ever-lengthening dining room table hosting Christmases, Grey Cups, and innumerable Sunday dinners.

Janice was an animal lover. She and Gus cared for many well-behaved and spoiled dogs throughout their lives, rescuing many and giving them the best life.

While Janice’s later years were made difficult by progressive Parkinson’s, we take comfort in knowing she was able to find so much joy in her family, dogs, interests and community. She made a rich life for herself and those connections were a solace to her until the end.

A funeral service to honor Janice‘s life will be held on August 6, 2026 at 2:00pm at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road, Winnipeg, MB.

A private family interment will take place prior to the service.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Linda, Amalia, and the dedicated team from GetUThere for their care of Janice in her home, as well as the caring staff of Deer Lodge Hospital, and Dr Hobson of the Movement Disorders Clinic.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Janice’s memory to Winnipeg Humane Society or Rossbrook house, two of Janice’s most loved charities.

“If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you made me smile the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.”