Janice (Hickey) Hlebechuk, formerly of Argusville, N.D. passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by her children and other family members.
She was born to Elwood and Corinne Hickey on July 15, 1938 in Belfield, ND where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood with her 6 brothers and sisters (the 7 J’s) and her best friends Darlene, Doreen, and Bonnie.
Janice leaves behind daughters Terri Tang of Phoenix, Lori (Richard) Sanders also of Phoenix, Lisa (Brad) Kimler of Natick, MA, Deanna Hlebechuk (Robert Kosche) of Boise, ID and grandchildren Abby St.Germain, Hannah Kimler, Laura Sanders, Jared Kimler, Miles Tang, Tommy Kimler, and Reuben Kosche. She is also survived by sister Joan Hickey, brother Joel (Rae Ellen) Hickey, sister-in-law Ruth Hickey, and several nieces and nephews, including her namesake Janice Carol Hancock, with whom she shared a special friendship. She also leaves behind her honorary fifth daughter, Julie German, who was a great source of support and friendship. Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers Jim and John, and sisters Jean and Judy.
She was married to David Hlebechuk for 27 years, and though they parted, they mutually appreciated each other for the roles they provided in raising four smart, strong and confident daughters.
Janice was a wonderful mother, well-known for her incredible homemaking abilities. She sewed countless matching outfits for her daughters, cheerleading uniforms, prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, Halloween costumes, doll clothes, baby quilts, sleep caps, camping clothing, curtains, and almost anything her children or grandchildren asked for. Among her many kitchen specialties were cookies, fried chicken, pierogies, and chocolate-covered cherries. She also expertly tackled wallpapering, painting, canning vegetables from her garden, raking seaweed, and raising chickens. No challenge was too big for her. Upon her move to Phoenix in 1984, she established herself as a career woman, being a founding force at MD Health Staffing Agency where she was employed for 17 years. Her family was very proud of her finding success and independence on her own.
During retirement, she was able to travel and enjoy her grandchildren who adored her. She was loving and generous with her time, spending hours doing puzzles, playing cards, cooking and talking with them, always making each of them feel special. She was a huge presence in all of their lives and will continue to be a part of their favorite memories forever. Janice took no greater joy in life than being a mother and grandmother. She always viewed her family as her greatest accomplishment.
The family is indebted to Hospice of the Valley, the staff of Sherman Home and her many in-home health providers - especially Freyja Neelsen - for the loving care extended to Janice during the past four months. Arrangements are being handled by A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, Phoenix, ALMoore-Grimshaw.com. A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations honoring Janice may be made to Hospice of the Valley at hov.org.
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