Janice Lynn McDonald

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Lynn McDonald of Stony Plain AB, formerly of Provost AB. Janice passed away peacefully at the U of A hospital surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband Bruce; her daughter Natasha (Patrick) and their children Blake and Emily; her son Sheldon (Bryanna); her mother Norma; and her siblings Cheryl (Bernie) and Rod (Joanne). Janice was predeceased by her father Cliff and her brother Bruce.

Janice was the 3rd child of Cliff and Norma Paulgaard. She grew up on the family farm just northeast of Provost AB. Janice started dating the love of her life, Bruce McDonald in Grade 11 and they married in the year of 1984. Their daughter Natasha was born and the family moved up to Edmonton, AB, where Janice pursued her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Alberta. After graduation, Janice started her nursing career at the Cross Cancer institute where she worked for the next 15 years. Bruce and Janice welcomed their son, Sheldon in 1988 and the family moved out to Spruce Grove AB. The next step in Janice’s nursing career led her to Mount Royal College, where she completed her Operating Room Nursing certification. For the next 25 years, she worked in the ORs at the Sturgeon, Misericordia and Westview hospitals. She was a well-respected colleague, employee, and mentor. She was known to go above and beyond for the people she worked with and the patients she cared for, which was recognized by those who were lucky enough to cross her path. Janice was the type of person who would ensure that every individual she was responsible for was provided with the highest standard of care even if that meant spending extra hours at work. Janice retired from her nursing career in September 2024. Immediately after her retirement, she found a new unofficial job as ‘babysitter’ for her two grandkids, who absolutely adored her, and it was this job she loved the most.

Janice never let a second go to waste, and she will always be remembered as someone who squeezed every last drop out of life. She loved spending time with her grandkids, going camping as well as travelling with family. She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards with friends and family and most recently, traveling to Europe for a 2-week biking barge tour with her husband. She was a dedicated member of St Matthew's Lutheran church who fulfilled many roles. Even during her final days in hospital, Janice continued to make the most of her days, having meals with her family and even playing a few card games. Janice was full of life and always greeted everyone with her beautiful smile. She appreciated all the little things. She never missed an opportunity to thank and tell those that visited her that she loved them, which is a testament to the love she felt for her family.

We are forever grateful for the nurses and doctors at the University of Alberta Hospital for the excellent care and support she received.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 18th 2025 at St Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Spruce Grove AB at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family are requesting for donations to be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

https://www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/