Janet Ishbel Gray

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear sister, aunt, Granish, cousin and friend; Janet Ishbel Gray.

Jan was predeceased by her parents Dorothy and Ewen. She is survived by her sisters, Becky (Richard Walter), Barb Hoinkes, Marilyn (Alastair Nicoll) and her only brother Gordon (Dorothy Cooper), their children, cousin Judy Davis (Murray Westerlund), and special extended family of Luis Salgado and Sandra Bassendowski, as well as many dear and faithful friends to numerous to mention.

Her father’s career with the RCMP led Jan to many small towns in Saskatchewan eventually settling in Saskatoon where she completed high school and then the University of Saskatchewan to complete a degree in Nursing.  After a short stint of nursing Jan wanted to expand her education and completed a Master of Education degree at St FX University in Nova Scotia in Adult Education. This enabled her to teach, mentor and lead a career in health services locally, nationally, and internationally influencing the delivery of nursing education in Canada, Dominique, Indonesia, and Nepal. Jan wrapped up her career within the policy sector of adult advanced education, once again demonstrating her leadership and knowledge. A well-respected colleague!

Jan was passionate about many things of which shopping was at the top of the list. We lovingly referred to her as the “fashion police” which entitled her to dissect our wardrobes and dictate what we could keep, donate, and dispose of. 

She was an avid traveller and had the opportunity to visit many countries in the world. Jan always appreciated and respected tradition, cuisine, and culture.  Often her travels were reflected in her entertaining back home.

Jan loved playing card games whether it was bridge, her weekly hand & foot canasta or Go Fish with her great nieces and nephews.  Her enjoyment of the games was never determined by the winning or losing of the loonie prize, although winning was important.

Jan’s other passion was card making. We always looked forward to her special Christmas, birthday, and Halloween cards – Jan’s special way of reaching out to those she loved.

Jan had a special and unique relationship with her nieces and nephews and loved each of them dearly. Carmen, Teri, Allen, Murray, Rachel, Reanna, Anne, Angus, Laura, Sarah, Richard, Laura, Thomas, Jen, Jonathon, Andrew and their respective children David, Beth, Kate, Nicholas, Frances, Oliver, Hannah, Grayson, Jack, Finn, Claire, Mari, Taej, Nisha, Henry, Emma, Ryan, Georgia, Oscar, Nicholas, Harriot, Roman, Richter and Franca may you all remember her love, guidance, and support.

While we all have our favourite encounters with Jan they may be aptly captured in descriptors like: Bitch, Card Fiend, White Woman with Solar Panels, Force to be Reckoned With, Strong, Button Pusher, Connector, Baker, Shopper Extraordinaire, Knitter, Caterer, Mentor, Compassionate, Caring, Witty, Fun  and above all a True and Loyal Friend.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care Jan received while hospitalized, especially her last few days at the Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

For those wishing to acknowledge Jan’s memory please consider a random act of kindness or a donation to a charity of your choice.

Always remember one of her favourite mantra’s “It’s OK to Spoil Yourself”.