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JANET VAN ELSLANDER
Born: May 31, 1934
Date of Passing: Sep 16, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJANET VAN ELSLANDER
Janet passed away at the age of 91, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in her suite at Bright Water at Linden Pointe.
Janet was predeceased by her mother-in-law Nellie, father Maurice Gillis, father-in-law Alec, husband Donald, mother Julienne Gillis, brother Rene Gillis, sister-in-law Val Gillis, and brother and sister-in-law Norman and Peggy. She is survived by her daughter Debra (Ray) Bouchard, and grandson Rori Bouchard (Heather), son Gary, and grandchildren Jonathan and Hailey, son Randy (Laurie), and granddaughter Ashley (Jay) Garepy, daughter Cindy (James Kulas) Great-grandchildren - Van and Cole (Heather and Rori) - Grace, Harrison, and Josephine (Ashley and Jay).
Mom was born in Winnipeg on May 31,1934, and except for our family living some years (late 60s into the 70s) in Kamloops B.C. She loved calling Winnipeg her home.
In her younger years, Mom was always a full partner with Dad, in all their business endeavours. Looking after the books, communicating with the accountant, and creating relationships with staff and salespeople. All this - while providing a loving household and raising a family!
She enjoyed travel throughout her life, with Dad, family and friends, to many wonderful, interesting places. After Dad’s passing in 2010, winter months were still enjoyed in Florida with her daughter Debra and family friend Vicki Reinhardt. She loved to sit on the balcony enjoying The Gulf breeze, with little Cocoa at her side and a good book in her lap.
Ten years living at The Parkway, enjoying dinner and conversation with her friends Joan, and Doris was a daily highlight in her later years. As an avid reader - she loved to sit and read on her balcony amongst her flowers. Mom’s appointments, lunches with her Gillis cousins, or just when friendship was required, were all lovingly provided by Debra for many years. Cindy, always there for Mom as well, doing some cleaning or to shop for essentials.
Up until a year or so ago, she was still able to enjoy coming out to one of The Family cottages at Twin Lakes Beach. Enjoying visits with the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Watching the hummingbirds, the orioles and finches, and all the shore birds summering at the lake.
Her last few months were spent living at Brightwater at Linden Pointe, and being very well assisted with all her complicated needs that developed after three surgeries, and ongoing hard to treat infections.
To all the healthcare workers at The Parkway, Concordia, Grace, Misericordia, and most recently Linden Pointe - To Abby and all her staff, with their care and empathy, health care aid Precious whose kindness and friendship was so precious to our mother. You are all the best!
A memorial service will be held at The First Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Crescent, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2025