JANET ELEANOR MCKENZIE (MATTHEWMAN)

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JANET ELEANOR MCKENZIE
(nee MATTHEWMAN)
May 29, 1935 – October 28, 2021

With profound gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Jan McKenzie are sad to announce that she quietly passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer's.
Left to cherish her memory is the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Alex, her daughters, Deb (Cindy), Dar and Brenda (Sherri), nieces and nephews, Janice Matthewman, Kim Fields (Mike), Jim Matthewman and Wayne Church (Sue), along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and extended family. Favourite grand-dog, Emmett, will miss Jan's welcoming lap and smiling face to kiss.
Jan was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the daughter of Bessie and Stewart Matthewman and older sister of Stew (Bev), all who predeceased her and who remain in our hearts.
Jan dedicated her life to being an equal-partner with Alex as they built a life and family together. Mom led by example, instilling deep family values and a never-ending work ethic as she raised her three daughters to be strong and independent women. Mom's strength was never so evident as she battled and survived breast cancer. Despite one of the most difficult times in her life, she was unfaltering as she continued to nurture and care for her family.
Mom was also passionate about the arts. For decades, Mom and Dad had season tickets to the WSO, MTC and WJO. Their love and support of the arts has been instilled in their daughters, as the next generation continues to include local music and theatre as a part of their lives.
Jan and Alex visited many places in Canada and abroad, but Jan's favourite spot in the world was the cottage at Ena Lake. It was there that she found great comfort and happiness. Mom could always be found swimming - whether being the first person in the lake every morning or the last person to take a dip in frigid water at the end of the season - the lake held a very special place in her heart.
Jan loved to cook and entertain - and she was exceptionally skilled at both. Throughout their lives, Jan and Alex reflected that theirs was a perfect match since she loved to cook and he loved to eat. Even at the cottage, she could pull together a four-course meal or hors d'oeuvres and drinks for any unexpected guests who dropped by.
Jan opened her heart to family and friends, showing love and caring through her thoughts and deeds, while remaining strong-willed and spirited until the end of her life. Despite her diminishing mental state in later years, the family is forever grateful for the 86 years she spent with us. Love you always and forever.
A very special thank you to Dr. Steve Grass for Mom's long-term care and to the health care professionals and staff at Oakview Place for the compassion and respect they provided Jan during her brief time in their care.
As Mom would have wanted, a private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2021