JANET HOKANSON

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JANET HOKANSON Janet Hokanson, 84, of Vancouver, BC, formerly of Winnipeg, MB, died peacefully on October 16, 2018 at Lionsgate Hospital, clasping the hand of her enduring friend and devoted grandson Dallas William Groening. Born Janet Elizabeth Morrey on January 14, 1934 in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil to her parents, John and Margaret Morrey, she spent her childhood and young adulthood in her beloved home country of Brazil. She married Lyle William (Bill) Hokanson on May 22, 1959 in Brazil at Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The Hokansons moved around fairly frequently to accommodate Bill's drilling career. They moved to Chile after her wedding in 1959; to Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada in 1962; to Mississauga in 1974; and to Winnipeg in 1978. In 2002 Janet followed the siren call of the ocean and moved to Vancouver for health reasons and to be close some of her family members. Janet fought and won some difficult battles in her life, as she took on melanoma and other cancers four times, and had to endure life-altering surgeries to survive. As always, she wrestled these aggressive diseases with her distinctive brand of energy and determination, and beat them every time. Her dearest wish was to see her children grow up, and to establish strong relationships with her grandchildren. And in this, too, she was a resounding success. Janet lived her life in full colour and was beautiful, inside and out. She loved the sun and the outdoors, and could often be found on the tennis court, laughing with friends while she won game after game. She loved her sweets and Brazilian food, took pride in her appearance, and had exotic taste in fashion. She appreciated beauty in all its forms, and reflected her optimistic view of the world in her exquisite paintings of flowers and colourful scenery. In spite of her wide range of interests, her primary focus was her family and friends. She had an endless trove of love and encouragement for her children and grandchildren. She had a warm and bubbly personality, and her star power made a profound impact on everyone who crossed her path. Beyond being a social butterfly, she was a person of substance, strength, integrity and a genuine interest in everyone lucky enough to know her. Janet is predeceased by her husband Bill, her sister Margaret ("Peggy"), and her brother George (as well as her much loved white cat, Jack, and her terrier dog, George). She is survived by her children, John (Kristin), Cliff (Sheri), Warren (Shannon) and Mark Hokanson; and her beloved grandchildren, Dallas (Krissy), Troy, Kate and Jaclyn. A celebration of Janet's life will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2018, at the West Vancouver Presbyterian Church, 2893 Marine Drive, at 12:15 p.m. All are welcome. The family requests that donations to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation be made in lieu of flowers. CancerCare can be contacted by email (donate@cancercare.mb.ca), phone (204-787-4143 or toll free 1-877-407-2223), or mail (CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9). For tax receipts contact them by email (taxreceipts@cancercare.mb.ca) or phone (204-784-2779). Janet is already missed terribly by her family and friends, and the family appreciates the support they have received in their time of grief.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2018