The world has lost a beautiful soul. Janice got her wings on August 1st in London University Hospital following complications from open heart surgery. Janice was born in Windsor on September 20, 1957. She was the chosen daughter of Richard and Margaret Rose. She spent her early years in Sarnia, later moving to Thunder Bay where she attended Westmount and Churchill schools and later studied Business at Lakehead University. A talented bookkeeper by trade she managed the accounting side of the family business, Harmer’s Quality Auto Service which she ran with her husband Glen and son Ryan.
Janice had an amazing ability to recall dates and birthdays of people she barely knew. She was a numbers lady. Janice and Glen spent the cold winter months in Kissimmee Florida where they purchased a condo and made many memories and life long friends. They were married there on August 13, 1992. Janice loved music and she and Glen attended many concerts over the years with Journey being her favourite group. She had her first open heart surgery at just 38 years old and was one of the original members of the Mended Hearts Cardiac Support Group.
She had a wonderful group of supportive girlfriends who she loved dearly and looked forward to suppers and lunches with them. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years Glen, son Ryan Harmer (Karen Boz), daughters Jena Curtis (Tyler) and Dana Dumont (David). She is survived by grandchildren Nicholas Harmer (Eden), Michenzie Harmer, Peyton Gribble (Erica Wdowiak), Madison Curtis, and Phoebe Curtis. Also surviving are brothers Dan Rose (Lori), and special niece Cassandra Carruthers (Marc) who we loved as our own. Also closest in-laws Bryan Harmer (Pam), Jack Harmer (Sue), Donna Stolz (Joe) and many other relatives in Canada and the US. She was predeceased by her father Richard Rose, mother Margaret Rose, in-laws Richard and Lorraine Harmer and brother in-law Richard Harmer (Adeline). She was delighted when grand dogs Nikki and Lola came to visit and she loved spoiling them.
Janice was the glue that kept the family together, never missing anyone’s birthday or special occasion. She loved Christmas and decorating our home for the occasion.
She also remained in close contact with her many cousins in the London area. Her final trip to London for her surgery was carefully planned out to meet several relatives along the way. She fulfilled her bucket list by staying at the luxurious Double Tree Hotel on the St. Clair river. Here she could watch the ships coming in from the Great Lakes and watch the vehicles crossing the Bluewater Bridge from Port Huron to Sarnia.
She was loved by many and will leave a huge void in our lives.
Fly high my darling, until we meet again.
Donations in Janice’s memory can be made to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Cardiovascular Surgery Campaign.
