July 3, 1946 - March 21, 2024
In Loving Memory (1946-2024) ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother, Janice Rickey, at the age of 77. Mom passed away peacefully at her home in Campbell River, surrounded by her loving family after bravely facing cancer.
Her sense of humour and strong will to live and love was present right up until the end of her life. She will be remembered by many as a warm, caring, and generous mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, friend, colleague, and neighbour. If fortunate to be in her circle, you know how great it was to be on the receiving end of her giving spirit.
Janice leaves behind daughter Melissa (Gavin), son Peter (Rene), grandchildren Zoe (Curran), Jasmine (Spencer), Zackery, and Mya, sisters Louise (Garth), Joan, Cathy (Alan), brothers Bob (Cathy), and Don (Hazel), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Janice was born to Anne and Harold Tufford on July 3rd, 1946 in Portage la Prairie, MB. After graduating Portage Collegiate High School, she studied Secretarial Science at the Manitoba Institute of Technology.
She went on to hold a few secretary positions, soon married Robert in 1968, and started her family with Melissa and Peter, both born in Winnipeg. The family then relocated to BC, landing in Port Coquitlam and then Coquitlam. While making her home, Janice worked part time as an assistant to a court reporter.
Once her children completed elementary school, Janice returned to the workforce full-time serving as the administrative assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer in School District 43.
After divorce, Janice moved to Campbell River in 1994 starting a new life, this time bringing her professional skills to School District 72. Janice worked there for 14 years until retiring in 2009. She excelled in organisation, communication, shorthand, and brought professionalism, integrity, and positive energy to the office, making great friends among her colleagues.
Beyond work, she built a cherished network of Campbell River friends, joining the Newcomers club, and later became involved in Curling, Community Garden, Garden Club, Saratoga Ladies Golf, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and book club. She loved tutoring ESL students and worked for the Campbell River Community Foundation for a time.
Janice enjoyed many trips throughout her life, across Canada and to Hong Kong, Mauritius, Ireland, Mexico, and more. She had a passionate love of horses, especially the wild variety, and would get a special look in her eyes talking about them.
Janice became a grandmother in 1998 to Zoe then Jasmine, Zackery, and Mya. She experienced great joy in her grandchildren, spending hours reading, writing, drawing, and playing. She was so proud of each of them and the people they have grown to be.
A nurturing domestic goddess, Jan's creativity and generosity shone through her welcoming homes, incredible feasts, beautiful sewing, and gorgeous gardens. In addition to passing on these valuable skills to her family, she impressed upon them the importance of doing your best, being reliable, making a good first impression, and being punctual (even slightly early!). This is just a fraction of the legacy she has left to her children and grandchildren.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Grendar in Victoria, Dr. Savard in Campbell River, and Alina Baker and Chanchal Cabrera from the Cabrera clinic in Royston.
We are also extremely grateful to the Hospice Nurses from the Central Team in Campbell River for their excellent support at home during Janice's final days.
There will be a celebration of Janice's life on Saturday, April 27th at 2:00 pm at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River. Flowers are encouraged! Our mom loved flowers. Roses, peonies, and lilies were her favourites.
We will be arranging flowers in her vases on the 26th and can also accommodate arrivals on the 27th. Please email Melissa to arrange for early drop off.
Service Details
2:00 PM