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JAN ENID HENLEY
Born: Jul 15, 1953
Date of Passing: Dec 20, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJAN ENID HENLEY July 15, 1953 - December 20, 2018 On December 20, 2018 at the Seven Oaks Hospital, Manitoba we lost a great friend, a lifelong champion of fairness and equality for all, and a strong, caring advocate for our most vulnerable children. Jan was 65 years old and was a recipient of her brother's kidney over 35 years ago. Jan was born in Winnipeg and grew up in St. Vital. She was predeceased by her father Ron in 1991, her brother Terry in 2001, and her mother Enid in 2014. She is survived by her sister Lorie and numerous cousins. It is impossible to outline all that Jan did throughout her career in the social services. Her career began in the early 70s when she began working for the Children's Home of Winnipeg where she worked in group homes and summer camps. She joined Child and Family Services in 1986. In October 2010, Jan was hired as a Program Specialist to oversee the implementation of a new initiative that prioritized the education for children in care. She was a primary representative on the committee that produced the foundational "Education and Child and Family Services Protocol for Children and Youth in Care" in 2013. Jan also developed and trained Critical Stress Management Teams throughout Manitoba; she continued training teams periodically after her retirement. Jan's passion and hard work served the province well. She was not only concerned for the children, but also for their families. She worked to ensure families, as well as staff, received support. Jan believed in a strong, healthy staff. In 1991, Jan became active in the MGEU. Over more than two decades, she represented her fellow members as Local President, Social Sciences Component Director, and MGEU 4th Vice-President. Jan also sat on numerous MGEU Committees over the years and was especially proud to chair the Women's Committee. She played a prominent supporting role in bringing Winnipeg CFS into the MGEU fold, and was a tireless supporter of her fellow members during the Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry. Always one to speak her mind and fight hard for what she felt was just. Jan was an outstanding mentor and leader. Jan retired on October 4, 2013. Jan was passionate about friends, travelling, and music. Her musical knowledge was extraordinary, and she was especially loyal to the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Planning a trip often revolved around a music festival or attending a concert. Jan took advantage of any excuse for a road trip. Maintaining a strong network of friends was important to her, and she had more time in her retirement to strengthen these bonds. She was kind, thoughtful and passionate. Many people will remember her sense of humour, her huge belly laugh, and her great ability to "tell a story". Jan touched many people, her advice was always spot on, and her support was unwavering. All who knew her will miss her, and our lives are richer because of her. She lived her life to the fullest. Thank you to the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital in the Emergency Ward and ICU for their compassionate and excellent care. Respecting Jan's wishes cremation has taken place, and there will be no service. If you can walk, You can dance. If you can talk, You can sing! - Zimbabwean Proverb Jan often quoted this proverb as it reflected her positive outlook on life. At a later date, a gathering will be held for friends and family so that some dancing, talking and singing can be done in Jan's honour. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the North End Women's Centre, the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Will miss you Jan. We sure had some pretty wild and crazy times with you as a friend. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Dec 29, 2018
JAN ENID HENLEY It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jan Henley on December 20, 2018 at the age of 65. A complete obituary will be in the Saturday, December 29 edition. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 204-783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Dec 22, 2018
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2018, Dec 29, 2018
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I love you with all of my heart I miss you so badly you always be in my heart n mine. I always think of the day you took me for Christmas and I will always love and Remember you, I'll miss you and your mom too and Luke the dog you are a very caring n loving person, you always look after me like a daughter n I always look up to, you were my rock and soul take care and we will meet again soon love your daughter Loretta Lynn - Posted by: LORETTE MALARSIE (foster daughter ) on: Nov 23, 2022
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Jan was my dear friend..we lived in St. Vital and our parents were best friends..Jan sure took after her Dad. She came to visit me in Osoyoos in the 90's She was a gem of a friend ...miss her. - Posted by: Kim Chrystal (friend) on: Nov 25, 2019
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I met Jan at the Winnipeg Folk Festival back in the late 80's. We became fast friends. I stayed with her when I would come through Winnipeg travelling across Canada to play concerts. She loved music; her father was a musician. She told me great stories about him calling Pete Fountain in New Orleans after having met Pete when he came to play in Winnipeg, saying "hi from Canada!" and having someone hold the phone so he could hear that night's performance. We spent one Father's Day on the little cement pad in front of her condo remeniscing about our Dads and I played boogie-woogie on her Father's keyboard in memory of him. She used to come on the road with me when I was playing festivals. Everything was more fun when Jan was around. She was a true friend, a champion of underdogs, honest and open-hearted: she called it like she saw it and we all loved her for it! I miss her terribly. - Posted by: Ellen McIlwaine (sister/friend) on: Jan 26, 2019
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Jan and I became close friends many years ago. We have drifted apart but we had some crazy fun together and she helped me with her advise and friendship. I so agree with the obituary, she was passionate, opinionated, loved her work and children. My condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Kelly Seward (friend) on: Jan 01, 2019
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I met Jan when we were on the same team at CFS and then she introduced me to the union. We became great friends and I will miss her tremendously. Keep on singing Jan. - Posted by: Kathy Bouchard (Co-worker, friend and fellow activist) on: Dec 29, 2018
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You will be sadly missed Jan. You have a spot in mine and Charlene’s as well as Lorette’s heart. You are with God now as an angel. - Posted by: Kory Snihur (Foster Grandson) on: Dec 29, 2018
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Was good friends with Jan’s Dad and brother. Got to see Jan for dinner with a few friends in September for the first time since Terry’s funeral. She left a wonderful legacy. Sad news. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Court Brooker (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2018
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