Janette Alexander

Janette Lousia Alexander

(nee Hayes)

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Janette Alexander on Wednesday, September 24, 2014  at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 97 years.

Predeceased by her husband Thos, daughters-in-law Louise Alexander and Charmaine Kennedy, brother Charles and sister-in-law Joyce, brother Rex and sister-in-law Bertha, sister Eva and brother-in-law Gudmond Thompson.

She will be lovingly remembered by sons Tom, Bob (Donna) and Alfred; grandsons Tom, Jim (Trish), Richard (Tammie), Robert, Lance (Cynthia) and Jason (Jana); foster granddaughter Kim; great grandchildren Dustin, Nick, Jennifer (Matt), Jessica, Noah, Kelsey, Brodie, Logan, Jade, Carter and Grant; great great grandchildren Kiera and Gracie; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Mother was born on the farm near Bradwell, Saskatchewan on St. Patrick’s Day in 1917.  A family move during the dirty thirties saw her growing up in the Hi Tor area.  Her love of sports lead to meeting the young man that would become her husband.  Her honeymoon was spent in the log cabin dad built on the homestead, but 5 months later dad joined the army and she was alone for the next 3 years.  Following the war they moved to the farm 2 miles east of Porcupine Plains where they resided until 1967 when she and two sons packed up the car with everything, left after the farm sale and drove to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, where dad had built a house.  Later in life a move to Chilliwack and finally 16 years ago they moved to Portage.

Mother was never afraid of hard work, as well as her household jobs she could drive a 4 horse team or a tractor, a truck or car, then spend the evening quilting or knitting.  On the farm a big garden was a necessity and mother would spend the fall canning vegetables, making jams and jellies.  After dad’s retirement they traveled every summer often leaving in May and returning home in September.  They traveled throughout North America, made a trip to the Philippines and toured Europe.  As mother’s legs started to give out she had to give up her walks in the mountains and used a walker but still managed to keep busy, volunteering where ever she lived. She enjoyed all types of games and would always challenge her grandchildren to play dice or cribbage.

Her sudden passing has been a shock to all that knew her, so tell those close to you how much you care every day.

The family would like to express their great appreciation to the staff and residents of Lions Prairie Manor for the care provided and the comfort mom felt during her last 34 months.

Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at 11:00 am at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel led by Rev. Beth Kerr.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Janette’s memory to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc, 24 - 9 ^th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3V4.

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