JANIS RITCHIE BIGLOW

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JANIS RITCHIE BIGLOW

After a life well-lived, Janis Ritchie Biglow passed away January 23, 2020, at Winnipeg's Riverview Health Centre following complications from a stroke. The family is very grateful for the care provided by both Riverview and Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home.
Janis was predeceased by her fun-loving father, Foster Humphries (1983), and mother, Hazel Humphries (1999).
Left to cherish her memory is her family: four children, Margaret, Patricia (Denis), John (Sandy) and Ted (Nancy); older brother Doug (Sonya); nine grandchildren, Blair, Graeme, Michael (Meaghan), Matthew, Kristen, Crystal, Chantelle, Alexa and Brooke; and great-grandchild Everett.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on February 24, 1937, Janis and her family relocated from Winnipeg to Toronto's Birch Cliff area, where they remained during the kids' school years. Janis graduated from Scarboro Collegiate Institute, spent much time with best friend Sonya, and studied English and music. A lifelong passion for classical music stemmed from her participation in Gilbert and Sullivan musicals.
The search for Mr. Right came early. After a forgetful New Year's Eve date, Janis met John McCreary Biglow, who was conveniently boarding with her family. John asked for her hand in early 1958, and wedding bells rang September 6, 1958.
The couple's early journey was closely related to John's sales career, and Janis treated each of the many moves as a new adventure. 1959 landed in St. Catharines where the eldest children, Margaret (1959) and Patricia (1961), were born. Then it was on to Kingston, Ontario, where John (1965) and Ted (1967) were born. Then Montreal, Toronto, and, finally, Winnipeg in 1972. Winnipeg meant a new home near what Janis insisted on - schools within walking distance and a nearby university - and easy access to the Biglow family cabin on West Hawk Lake where the family enjoyed time with lifelong friends and neighbours.
Janis's Winnipeg life was a blend of supporting John and raising a diverse and active family. She helped friend Corinne Mahaffey at Corinne's nursery school for several years and often found herself looking after not only her own children but other family and friends, as well. Janis was the pillar and caregiver for mother-in-law Marion for three years prior to Marion's passing and she took in the kids' friends when they needed help or a place to stay. She set the stage for more than just her kids.
But it was her children that Janis would say she was the most proud of. She hoped they would all get an education, be independent, and, most of all, remain close to each other as adults. Her wishes were granted with all four children earning university degrees and remaining close to this day.
Janis's later years were not without challenges, and when she and John separated after 47 years of marriage, she soldiered on to make a new life, her life. She loved Westminster United Church, the choir in particular, joined Reh-fit Fitness Centre, walked Assiniboine Park regularly, and shared laughs with friends at Tim Hortons. Affectionately known as "Snowball" (a nod to her naturally curly gray hair), Janis's spirit and presence will be missed by all. Most of all, though, Janis will be missed by her children, all of whom know that it was her stability, integrity, trust, strength, love and support that made them who they are. Their achievements were hers, and for her part the children will always be grateful.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Janis's memory can be made to Westminster United Church or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Westminster United Church, 741 Westminster Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2020