TAYLOR, Janice

1941 ~ 2026

Janice Marie Taylor (née Schalin) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Didsbury, Alberta, at the age of 84 years.

Janice was born on October 19, 1941, at the General Hospital in Olds, Alberta, to Asaph and Elma Schalin. She grew up in the Reed Ranch area, east of Olds and attended Poplar Creek school. She moved into Olds for her high school years and graduated from grade 12 in 1959. She went on to attend the University of Calgary, where she completed a degree in education. Janice began her teaching career at Cremona School, where she met a handsome school bus driver and local farmer, Gary Taylor. They were married on July 10, 1965, and together built a life rooted in love, family, and community. Janice embraced life as a farm wife with enthusiasm and determination, quickly learning to drive a tractor, navigate protective mother cows, pound posts, and fix fence (there was always fence to fix), all while managing the household with strength and grace. She also had to put up with Gary’s antics and jokes but did so with an easy laugh and a great sense of humour.

Janice had a remarkable gift for gardening, creating vegetable and vibrant flower gardens that reflected her creativity and care. Always eager to learn, she took courses in landscaping and pruning to refine her talents. Janice also loved baking and preparing delicious meals, ensuring there was always a sweet treat waiting for her children after school. She hosted many holiday dinners for extended family and friends who loved to visit the farm.

A gifted and passionate crafter, Janice sewed her own clothes and enjoyed quilting, crocheting, cross-stitch, and embroidery. She proudly shared her creations at the Cremona Craft Sale each December. She also found joy in gathering wildflower bouquets and was known for her incredible green thumb—she truly could grow anything. Janice cherished the arrival of spring, delighting in tending her garden and watching the first bulbs come to life. Janice was deeply devoted to her community and was a cheerleader for all ages—always encouraging others, celebrating their successes, and offering support wherever it was needed. She attended Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church, where she taught Sunday School and built lasting friendships. Her patient, kind and gentle spirit made her a source of comfort and encouragement, and she was always ready with a warm smile and a heartfelt hug. Janice was a loving and devoted wife to Gary and a proud mother to their two children, Darrin (Diana) and Tracy (Doug). She cherished her role as a grandmother to Jake (18), twins Nicholas, and Catherine (14), and took great joy in supporting and celebrating her family. She spent countless hours driving her children to gymnasiums and activities, cheering them on while crocheting afghans to stay warm in the cold of small-town arenas.

Janice was a devoted daughter and sister and lovingly cared for her mother during Elma’s journey with dementia. She is survived by her younger brother Grayson (Susan) and was predeceased by her brothers Eldin (Marlene) and Baby Schalin. Later in life, Janice faced her own diagnosis of dementia at the age of 65. With strength and determination, she met the challenge head-on, keeping her mind active through reading, puzzles, and crafting. In April 2017, she moved to Bethany Care Centre in Didsbury, where she received exceptional care. The team there became like a second family and heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Bethany care team for the compassion and support shown to both Janice and Gary.

Janice taught those around her many valuable lessons, especially the importance of integrity, faith, and unconditional love. She loved her Lord, her family, and her community deeply.

A colourful Celebration of Life will be held at Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church, Hwy 580 and Range Rd 30, Carstairs, Alberta on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.  For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at the following link: View the service here. Donations in Janice’s honor may be made to Didsbury Bethany Care Centre at www.bethanycarefoundation.com/donate or Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church at www.bethelemc.org/giving or Alzheimer Society of Canada at www.alzheimer.ca. The family wishes to thank everyone who has supported them and Janice over the years. Our beautiful daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, Nana, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, neighbour and friend is now at peace. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Didsbury), 1413 – 21 Avenue, Didsbury, Alberta 403.335.4773.

• Date : 2026-05-07
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Didsbury) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610