Janet Schellenberg, formerly Sampson

Janet Lynne Schellenberg, formerly Sampson

(nee Plowman)

January 3, 1945 – August 9, 2017

With her family by her side, Janet passed away peacefully at her home in Portage la Prairie of pulmonary fibrosis. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Wilfred; step-daughter, Denise Kilfoyle; sister, Diane Chartrand (Victoria BC); Schellenberg in-laws: Richard (Irene), Herb (Shirley), Irwin (Louise), and Carolyn; sister-in-law, Annemarie Sampson. She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Leila Plowman; husband, Raymond Sampson; and step-son, David Sampson.

Janet attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and obtained her B. H. Economics in 1966 from the University of Manitoba. In that year, her career adventures began with her CUSO assignment in Jamaica, which extended into CIDA research at the Jamaican School of Agriculture. On her return to Winnipeg in 1974, she became a community Home Economist and eventually a part of a vibrant team in the Home Economics Directorate in the Manitoba Government.

Janet believed in the power of the professional Home Economist.  She loved coordinating volunteers, developing food and nutrition programs for schools, and working on Basic Living Skills and Budget Guides resources. A respected colleague said that the Jamaican experiences sensitized Jan to understanding people and problems in international development. Her respect for diversity was an integral part of her work, whether in Winnipeg’s North End or with educational groups in Zimbabwe and Brazil.

Her marriage to Wilf and her move to Portage saw her love for community continue. She joined the Lioness Club, the Grandmothers Giving, and the St. Mary’s La Prairie congregation. Her computer skills of her “Pro Bono Publishing Co.” were appreciated by many. During her illness, Janet was thankful for caring relatives and friends, especially Tom and Anne Street, Daughter on Call employees, and Palliative Care Services. But in reality, we should be thankful for the richness she added to our lives; she always genuinely asked how you were doing.

Janet was known for her Sunday inclusive dinners, her newsy seasonal letters, and her love for pictures and stories about her sister’s children and their families: Dan and Jackie Chartrand (Noah, Lily) and Leila and Quinn Harman (Jack and Grace). Wilf generously opened their home to the care workers, and Janet continued to direct traffic, give cooking advice, and enjoy the new people she met under these difficult circumstances.

Janet managed to fulfill the Jamaican expression “walk good” throughout her life; may we all continue this tradition.

Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, 36 – 2nd Street SW, Portage la Prairie, MB on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm, led by Rev. John Dolloff.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Janet’s memory to Stephen Lewis Foundation – Grandmothers Giving, Box 462, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B7.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com