Janes-Melus Family Tree

JANES, Bessie Francis Verna (nee Vermeersch)
Passed away peacefully in Victoria on October 18, 2006. Bessie was born on July 6, 1923 and raised on the farm in St. Alphonse, Manitoba. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Baird Janes in 1976 and her son, Kenneth Janes in 2001. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Corbett Janes (Lee), Stuart Janes (Jan), and Ross Janes; daughters, Frances King (Stephen), Carol Duggan (Jim) and Toni Wittenberg (Les); grandchildren, Erica, Stuart, Stephanie, Thomas, Alexandra, Emily, Meghan, Heather, Jeffrey, Clarke, Ashley, Ken and Piper; great-grandchild, Harley; sister, Alice Lussier; and brother, Homer Vermeersch (Esther). She graduated from St. Marie's High School Bruxelles in 1940 and went on to train at St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1945 as an R.N. She spent three memorable years nursing in Mission, B.C. before marrying in 1948 and immediately beginning a family. Married life eventually lead them to Duncan, B.C., where they lived from 1957 to 1977. During these busy years, she was very involved with many volunteer positions supporting her children's numerous activities. She was also an active member of "Meals on Wheels". Following the death of her husband, she moved to Mill Bay and in the late 1980's moved to Victoria. Here, she enjoyed her remaining beautiful years gardening, entertaining family as well as being a caregiver to her aging relatives. Bessie was a wonderful energetic woman with an open sense of humour. She has been well loved and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. The family would like to thank all the staff who cared for Bessie during her stay at the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Parish, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, B.C. on Monday, October 23, 2006 at 2:00 pm.