JANICE CROPO

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• My Canadian Cousin. My cousin Janice was my first Canadian friend. We spent hours lying on her bedroom floor outlining and then lightly colouring in Snow White's dress and Cinderella's carriage in our Walt Disney colouring book with our set of 49 Crayolas. In our early twenties, we lived in our Toronto hippy house with 'a bunch of girls' who turned into life long friends. Beers at Grossmans' Tavern, Dancing at the El Macombo, snowy walks on the Boardwalk down at the Beach, and lots of 'boys'. In our middle and later years, we talked for hours on the phone, Janice telling me hundreds of years of family history. Every time I flew to Winnipeg, Janice greeted me at the airport. We drove out to The Beach to visit her mom or we stayed at her house with her half wolf dogs and their puppies. I was afraid to get up in the night to go to the bathroom. The last few year, brought the more difficult trips back to Winnipeg and hard but tender phone calls as Janice's illness grew worse. She made one last valiant trip to visit us here on the West Coast. Today is the first anniversary of her passing. I picture her now on that long flat drive out to Winnipeg Beach in her little Honda Civic; Sly and the Family Stone blasting from the tape deck, Janice laughing, dragging cigarette smoke deep into her lungs, and blowing it out her nose, her dog Bandi in the back seat. Above us the big prairie sky. - Posted by: Gillian Krantz (cousin) on: May 09, 2018

• Dearest Janice, You are still in all our hearts. Your friends and family have already captured the beauty, special and unique essence of the loving and caring person we all knew, so I will share a few memories. My earliest memories of Janice where in 1957 when my family came from England to live in Winnipeg. We lived a block away from the Cropo residence on College Avenue. Janice, the one female cousin, was very much part of our first year in Canada – sharing how to be a Canadian; introducing us to cut-out dolls with their many paper outfits; listening to the hits of the day (Wake Up Little Suzie, He has the Whole World in his Hands, GI Blues and many more); going to the Saturday matinee at the local movie house; taking us out for ‘trick and treat’ on our first Halloween, showing us how to make snow angels. In later years our paths crossed less frequently. On visits to Winnipeg and Winnipeg Beach, Janice was always there to meet us at the airport, drive us to the beach, worrying that we had all we needed. I can see Janice sitting at the kitchen table in the morning doing the crossword puzzle with a huge dictionary by her side and the dictionary doing double duty during many games of scrabble. Her dedication in caring for her Mum in her latter years was thoughtful, thorough, and loving, as well as being a true gift to her family. We shared many walks, especially at the beach, and I will miss our telephone conversations. Goodbye dear cousin – you are missed by many and remembered lovingly in our hearts. With Love - Jennifer - Posted by: Jennifer Solley (Cousin) on: Jun 02, 2017

• In the 1970’s Janice lived with her cousin Gillian, myself and other friends in the Toronto Beaches. Janice was a sensitive, fun loving person with a wonderful laugh. She was a person of outer strength and inner vulnerability. Janice’s loyalty to family and friends impressed me. She loved her coffee and her cigarettes and we spent many comfortable hours enjoying nature in summer and winter along the Beach. Janice also loved music, dancing and animals and in later years her family genealogy project. Most of all I think Janice loved her family and I hope she is reunited with the ones who went before her. - Posted by: Marsha Drake (Friend) on: May 20, 2017

• Janis was a warrior - steadfast and true to her beliefs and in her love of family. When I met Janis in 1968 she was an exotic beauty living life in the fast lane. With time the fast lane slowed as she settled into a life of kindness and support. I will miss our telephone calls that kept me connected to my late husband's family. Rest in peace, Janis. Love, Pat. - Posted by: Pat Cropo (sister in law) on: May 14, 2017

• I knew her from the North end in the 60's to 70. She was a very nice person and yes enjoyed music. And was a sincere person and easy to talk to. Although we never kept in touch I will miss her. Rest in Peace. Old Friend - Posted by: Allen Trowsdale (Old Friend) on: May 13, 2017

• Auntie Janis... Growing up I always looked forward to my summers in Winnipeg, spending time with my cool Auntie Janis. Playing cards, swinging on the massive swing set at the beach and watching you lather yourself in baby oil to achieve the perfect tan (20mins front, back and sides as I recall, hahahaha). I thought you were the coolest person I had ever met! And later those times turned into epic hours long phone calls talking about everything in life. I am really going to miss those calls. I'm going to miss you so much. I love you and cherish the time we spent together. Love always Alison - Posted by: Alison Cropo (Neice) on: May 13, 2017

• I'm so devastated to hear of Janice passing . My deep condolences to the family . You were a great friend and will miss you . Rest In Peace My Friend ! - Posted by: Eva Molinski (Family friend) on: May 13, 2017

• We are saddened to hear of Janice's passing. Our sincerest condolences to her family. - Posted by: Lynn & Bob Cooper (Neighbours ) on: May 13, 2017