Janice Mary Witchard

~Childhood~

Janice grew up in Winnipeg as the second oldest in a family of 5 children. Janice was born August 20, 1960 in St. Boniface Hospital, 5 minutes ahead of her twin sister Janet. Janice and Janet always shared that “twin thing” where they knew what each other was thinking and were inseparable growing up. Almost every family photo shows the twins together, the only distinguishing feature being that Janice had dark hair while Janet was blond.

After a few years, oldest sister Debra and the twins were joined by younger sister Sandra and finally, the youngest sibling, a brother, Adam.

Janice attended Sisler High School and later completed training as a Graphics Designer in the newly emerging field of computers. She then worked a number of years at the Independent Living Resource Centre in graphic design.

~Early Adult Years~

When Janice was 22 years old, she was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The doctors told her the MS would steadily rob her of her mobility and independence and that she was unlikely to survive into her 40’s. Some months after her diagnosis, Janice told the family she was determined to have a child while she still could. She did indeed become pregnant and delivered her precious daughter Ashley in July, 1985. The importance of family in Janice’s life was the overriding theme of how she lived.

~Janice – Proud Mother~

Ashley was the light in Janice’s eyes. As a single mother, Janice worked tirelessly to give her daughter the best life possible. Janice’s sisters, brother and mother, Clara Coles, all did whatever they could over the years to help Janice and Ashley live as normal lives as possible in the community while Janice’s health deteriorated. Even though Janice was forced into a wheelchair while Ashley was still a child, Janice and Ashley were able to live together in their own independent home until Ashley was a young adult. Perhaps due to Janice’s illness, our family has always been closer than most families and that has been a blessing. Family gatherings for birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and special occasions were always important to be celebrated by the family and Janice enjoyed family gatherings immensely. By 2004, Janice’s illness had progressed to the point she was paralyzed from the neck down and Janice moved into Luther Home.

~Luther Home~

Janice lived at Luther Home for almost 20 years. At Luther Home, she had many deep friendships with other residents and with many of the staff. Luther Home became a second family to Janice and countless individuals from the Luther Home community have described Janice as a light in their lives. Some have described how she lifted people up with her positive and encouraging attitude. Even nurses who have looked after Janice while in hospital have told the family they enjoyed meeting and talking with Janice. It is extraordinary that someone who had every reason to complain, instead helped others see the positive in themselves and in their situations. Janice loved to attend events and socialize with other residents whenever she could at Luther Home. She was so well regarded by other residents that she was elected President of the Residents’ Council and held that position when she passed.

~Janice – Proud Grandmother~

In more recent years, Janice has been thrilled to become a grandmother and would proudly share the latest grandchild photo or story with all of her friends. She has always been proud of Ashley but… grandchildren!!! Janice couldn’t be more proud.

Janice outlived the doctor’s predictions by more than 20 years and was happy to see her daughter Ashley meet the love of her life, Andrew and together, become a new blended family with 4 young children. Ashley and Andrew gave Janice a beautiful gift this last Christmas Day (2023) by announcing their engagement.

All of Janice’s family believe that Janice was able to pass peacefully, knowing that Ashley and the grandchildren would be taken care of and have a happy family life.