It is with a broken heart and deep sorrow that I announce the passing of Jane Grenier-Frank in Red Deer, Alberta, at the young age of 75. She entered this world with spirit and resilience, facing life’s adventures head-on, never losing the hope and resilience that she bestowed upon me right until the very end.

The eldest of four, growing up in the Ottawa Valley, she was very active in the Girl Guides, St. John Ambulance, school sports, and working at a rehab centre. Pursuing her lifelong dream of nursing, she earned her BScN from the University of Ottawa in ‘73. During summers away from school she gained work experience at the rehab facility in her hometown and in the Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital working in maternity, pediatric and outpatient clinics. After graduating, she made the cross-Canada trek with a classmate and worked at the University of Alberta Emergency Department while paying off her student loans. She then returned to Ottawa and worked in the ER at Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, got married, and had a daughter.

In 1980, they moved west to Red Deer, and she began her role of teaching assistant and then Head Nurse/Nurse Manager of the Red Deer Regional Hospital ER. Always eager to learn, she worked full-time while pursuing a Master of Education in Administration and navigating the added challenges as she neared the completion of her degree, of being widowed and raising her daughter as a single mother. She had transitioned out of the ER to a role as a Clinical Systems Project Manager, overseeing technology implementation in clinical nursing areas across Central Alberta. She always missed the personal connection of bedside nursing and longed to return to it.

The years were full of events and travel whether it was back home to Ontario or to Australia with her daughter… mother, homework monitor, Girl Guide Leader / Commissioner etc. She loved her years leading the girls and camping with the young people – routinely also wearing the camp nurse hat. After her first diagnosis with breast cancer, she completed an Oncology course through Athabasca University, volunteered with Reach to Recovery, Relay to Life, and the Festival of Trees where she would bring my stuffed animals and put little finger casts on the visitors in Candy Cane Lane. More recently she was active at the Golden Circle and sat as President for the Central Alberta Council of Aging.

In her free time, she explored her creative side through woodcarving, watercolour and acrylic painting, and music – learning to play the guitar and ukulele while dusting off her piano skills.

Over the past thirty years, she battled cancer multiple times, emerging victorious until its most recent late stage return in May. Through it all, she clung to life, driven by her passions for education, experience, and travel. Most of all, she cherished watching her daughter grow, have children of her own, and taking immense pride in her family’s accomplishments.

After retiring in 2013, she showered her grandchildren with love and attention. She was always there for her family, no matter the season, and her visits were never without a thoughtful touch – a craft to make together, a sweet treat, fresh flowers, or a dinner outing. Her presence was a constant source of joy, always accompanied by a little something special.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the exceptional team of internists, infection control specialists, nurses, aides, food services, and housekeepers who listened, cared and respected Jane at RDRHC and Red Deer Hospice during her final 98 days here. The compassion and guidance were invaluable as we navigated a difficult and unexpected final journey. We thank you for being with us every step of the way.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the friends and family who visited and called Jane – your presence brought her comfort and joy during her final days. Though her time was shorter than we’d hoped, your love and support meant the world to her.

Jane is lovingly remembered by all her family, including her daughter Robin, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren Alex, Nathan, and Julia, sister Clare, and brothers Owen and Andrew. She was predeceased by her husband Jim and her parents, Clarence and Agnes. She had a lot more living she wanted to do, we will miss her, eternally.

A memorial service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 4718 – 50 St, Red Deer, AB on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Red Deer Hospice or the Red Deer Regional Health Centre (RDRHC). Given her O- blood type, blood donations in her memory would also be a meaningful tribute. Condolences may be emailed to MemoriesofJGF@gmail.com.

We all go through hard times; it is the training that makes great people. 10 more steps.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2025-08-28
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"