Janice Mae Johnston

October 20, 1949 – May 24, 2018

Janice Mae passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer, lovingly cared

for by her husband Neil Jones, family and friends.

Jan was born in Guelph, Ontario, where her family lived while her dad was completing his studies in veterinary medicine. From there, she moved with her family to Regina, Sask.; Bolton, Ontario; and Oxbow, Sask. Upon graduation from high school in Oxbow, in 1968, Jan realized her dreams of travel and moved with a girlfriend to London, England. Jan settled there, made many close friends, and

worked as a youth worker in an innovative Baptist Church program for street youth, called “Kaleidoscope”. After several years in London, Jan and her husband Martin, became part of a new movement of young westerners and travelled to India to explore eastern culture and spirituality. She had many adventures in India, including attending informal public lectures given by the Dalai Lama. She

reminisced with wonder, that he would step out from his palace at Dharamsala and speak informally to whatever small group of local and young people had gathered to hear him on that particular day. She was greatly moved by his teachings and strove to follow Buddhist principles in her own life. Jan met her future husband, Terry Walker, during her time in India. They returned to London together, where they worked until moving to Regina in 1975. Their beloved daughter, Amy, was born in1979. Jan, Terry and Amy had a busy life in Regina; spending time with their many friends, visiting grandparents and relatives

on the farm and going on camping holidays together. Jan went back to school and completed her degree in Social Work at the University of Regina. She worked as a youth worker with the “Rainbow Youth” program and as a counselor with Child and Youth Services for many years, until her retirement in

2012. Following retirement, Jan and Neil moved to Rockglen, Sask. where they opened the “Neil Jones Gallery” in their new home. Drawn by the beauty of the grasslands and the rolling hills, Jan and Neil settled quickly into the community of Rockglen and made many dear friends. Jan and Neil acted on her idea of initiating a series of concerts, bringing talented musicians from around western Canada, into their home. They hosted numerous concerts, including many full houses of 70+ people and returned all proceeds to the musicians who performed. It’s difficult to capture Jan’s joyous personality, generous laughter and her enduring ability to make close lifelong friends wherever she lived. She was a loved and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, counselor and friend. She loved her “petties” and cared dearly for her many animals over the years. She is predeceased by her mom and dad, Dr. Tom and Vera Johnston. She is survived by; her husband Neil Jones, her daughter Amy Walker (Ian Toews), grandson Thomas, sisters Judy Robertson (Russ), Glenda Eberlein (late Wolfgang), Gwen Johnston (Allan Rodbourne), brother Dr. Robert Johnston, nieces and nephews Kate Robertson, Darcie Robertson (George), Caleb Lawrence (Cora), Jamie Lawrence, Abbey Lawrence-Botham (Michael), and Neil’s children, Tamara Jones (Darren Webb), grandson Elliot, Devin Jones (Kim Henry), and granddaughter Grace. We would like to thank the caring staff at Grasslands Health Centre, Assiniboia Union Hospital, Moose Jaw Regional Hospital, Regina Pasqua Hospital (Oncology unit) and the Allan Blair Cancer Centre.

She will remain in our hearts forever.

There will be no service at this time.

Fond memories, pictures, condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Johnston family. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.