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Janice Anne Riley

February 28, 2024

Janice Riley

Janice Anne Riley

November 21, 1946 - February 28, 2024

Jan Riley, Jane as we loved to call her, was 77 when she passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024. We mischievously thought she might pass away on February 29th - to celebrate Leap Year and make paperwork a memorable challenge.

Jan was first diagnosed with early onset dementia in December 2021. By April 2022 it had advanced to the point that it was unsafe for her to drive or live on her own anymore. She moved in with Stephanie, Glenn and William for 5 months then moved in with Dionne in January 2023 so that we could provide 24 hour care. In September 2023 Jan was admitted to Mount St. Joseph Hospital and then moved to tertiary care at VGH Willow Pavilion on October 30th where she stayed until her passing.

Jan was born in Vancouver BC to Edgar and Ruth Bush and was the second oldest of ten siblings (Beth, Stephen, Deborah, Stewart, Robert, Thomas, Gordon, Gina and Deanna. Jan loved to travel - from her solo trip to Scotland to explore the land and visit her friends Mary and Ron Hyder, numerous trips with friends to her favourite city New York and family trips to Palm Desert and Mexico.

She drove and flew throughout BC as a trainer and facilitator for Canada Safeway until she retired in 2011.

Jan was a proud and loving Mom to her two daughters Dionne and Stephanie and an incredible Grandma to her Grandson William who delighted her and brought her so much joy from the minute she first held him. She was so proud of William for his intelligence, kindness and being one of the greatest lacrosse goalies.

Jan will be remembered for her sharp wit, the cleanest house ever (she ironed everything), love of cooking, baking and entertaining, her independent, strong spirit and big heart. 

Jan is survived by her daughters Dionne and Stephanie, Son in Law Glenn and Grandson William. She was predeceased by her Father Eddie, Mom Ruth and youngest sister Deanna, as well as two life long friends Gerry Newby and Cheryl MacDonald.

Not a day will go by that we won’t think of Jan. She inspired, mentored (sometimes intimidated) but was always respected and most of all loved.

Jan didn’t want a funeral or even a celebration of life but we want to honour her legacy so are planning an outdoor party when the weather is good.

Please share this with friends, colleagues and family that knew and loved Jan.

Contact dionne.riley@gmail.com if you would like to be included in her celebration.

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Messages of Condolence

My sincere condolences to the family. I never knew Jan but know Dionne and Gina and my heart and prayers go out to you. ~ Melany Richmond

I am very sad to hear of Jan's passing. I have great memories of Jan, as she helped shape my future as a Safeway Store manager. She taught me a lot about hard work, dedication, and she always kept our team in check! Sending my condolences to the family and friends. ~ Lindsay Goodrich

I met Jan thru Stephanie her daughter I was lucky to have some small chats with her sometimes while I would cut her hair She sure adored her grandson William so much I enjoy her humour and her caring personality My love and condolences goes out to everyone one who loved her All my love to the family ~ Jasmyn Graham

Our heartfelt love goes out to you all. ♥️ ~ Joanne, Rebecca & Elizabeth

So so sorry for your loss. She raised amazing children and her time here was so important. ~ Laurie Darcus

Jan was a force and having the same name as one of her kids, I always knew she liked me! I am very sorry to hear of her passing and she paved many highways inside of Safeway. Rest in peace Jan! ~ Stephanie Hahn

My heartfelt condolences to Jan’s entire family. I will always have great memories of growing up next door to her in Burnaby. Much love and peace to all who knew her. ~ Don Simpson

So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. My heart goes out to Steph and Dion and the rest of the Riley/Bush clan. ~ Al Pruden

Growing up next door, I have so many good memories with Jan. She was one of the beautiful sisters who baby-sat us. When I reminded her of that a few years back, she smiled, looked me in the eye and shut me down. She had a smile on her face though. My condolences to her dear family. May she rest in peace. ~ Leanne Simpson

so sad to hear about Jan's passing. My condolences to her family and friends. She was a wonderful person and an ultimate employee. She did so much for Canada Safeway in her working career, Rest in peace my friend, Bill Shayler ~ Bill Shayler

I am so lucky to have been a member of Jan's extended family throughout my lifetime, one of her many cousins. Her wonderful father was my Uncle Eddy, my mother Flo (Gallie)'s baby brother. Most of the fine times I shared with Jan took place at loving, noisy family gatherings - Uncle Eddy's lilting touch on the piano, Auntie Ruth playing guitar and harmonizing both the oldies or latest hit-parade songs. I don't know if Jan inherited the musical bent in the family, but she surely epitomized being a loving mother & grandmother, a fine cousin and a cherished, accomplished employee for Canada Safeway . Love to all. Dale Anderson ~ Dale Anderson

My heartfelt condolences to both Dionne and Stephanie and the family. I worked with Jan for many years and she was a big part of my Safeway family. She brought so much laughter and hard work to our Learning and Development team and assisted many of us within the Safeway family to know what professionalism means. Rest in peace Jan xo. ~ Kim Planinsic

Thank you Stephanie and Dionne for this lovely photo of both of you with Jan. I was 17 when I first met Jan. So sad to say good-bye to a friend you have know for so many years. But such a lady ! Beautiful, determined, smart and always ready to stand her ground. Bless you and your family for helping Jan through this difficult time. There will be memories to share when we get together. ~ Donna (Joey) Atchison

So sad to hear of Jan’s passing. My condolences to her family. Worked with Jan and after her retirement spent many hours at the pool or just visiting. Rest in peace. ~ Kathy Butcher

So very sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. We had a lot of laughs and I wish we could have had more visits. Condolences to Stephanie & Dionne & family. ~ Linda Newby

Dionne and Steph. I just read now about the loss of your Mom, and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jan was such an incredible force of nature—funny, wise, and endlessly generous. She wasn’t just a friend to me; she was a great mentor who took me under her wing and guided me with her remarkable strength and insight. I hope you continue to find comfort in the memories of her extraordinary spirit and the love she had for you both. With deepest sympathy, Pamela Bragg ~ Pamela Bragg