Janet Medynski passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 at the age of 61, surrounded by her loving family.

 

Those who knew Janet knew her love for the outdoors and adventure. She was always interested in trying new things, especially if they involved her children. If one of her children developed an interest in a new activity, she was their number one fan and cheerleader, learning about the activity and wanting to try it herself. She learnt many new things and went on countless adventures this way, from rock climbing and backcountry skiing to golfing and meditation. She constantly challenged herself and others, always encouraging her loved ones to try new things and to learn from one another. She was especially proud of her hike up Cascade mountain, her overnight backcountry ski trip, and her multi-day hikes and kayak trips.

 

Janet was happiest when she was surrounded by her family in nature. She was first in line when the campground bookings opened up and always reserved more sites than needed in the hopes that at least one of her children and their families would join her and her husband (Tom). A perfect day for her involved a hike, bike, or cross-country ski with her family, which was always followed up with a Strongbow cider and bowl of crisps. She instilled a love of camping and the outdoors in all of her children and grandchildren.

 

As much as she loved the mountains, she also loved the sea. Having grown up in England and spent her childhood holidays on the coast in Cornwall, Janet was comfortable and confident in the water and loved observing sea life by snorkelling and exploring the rock pools.

 

Janet’s heart was always in both Canada and England and she made sure that her family felt the same connection to the two countries that she did. Despite the distance, she was very close to her mum (Marion), dad (Bert), brother (Robert), sister (Shirley), and her nieces and nephews. She had a special relationship with each of her family members and had an amazing ability to make each person feel seen and understood.

 

Janet set a new standard for unconditional love with the love she had for her family. Every time one of her children pulled into the driveway or called her, her face would light up with a giant smile. If one of her children was expected to come home late at night she would stay up late and wait for them. She was a great Nan to her five grandchildren, constantly planning activities for them and taking them on adventures. Her gifts always involved experiences. She loved watching them grow and learn and helping them explore the world.

 

Despite her many talents, Janet was extremely modest. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children, but was always humble when it came to herself.

 

Janet kept her sense of humour throughout her final days. She was devastated by her diagnosis (as were we all) but still always found joy whenever her family was around. She will be sorely missed and adamantly remembered. When you hear the birds sing, when you walk your favourite trail, when you have a drink after a ski, or when you do yoga in the morning, think of her.

 

Janet was predeceased by her mother Marion and her father Bert. She lives on through her husband Tom, her children Martin, Catherine and Anthony, her daughter-in-laws Kelsey and Tracy, her grandchildren Sophia, Archer, Harrison, Maverick and Melrose, her siblings Robert(Vanessa) and Shirley, her nieces, nephews, and many friends.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Society, who made Janet’s final days more comfortable and allowed her to keep exploring for as long as possible. Please also consider joining Janet’s team in the Walk Together for ALS.

 

For information on a celebration for Janet, please sign onto the Caring Bridge website at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/janetmedynski or email catherinemedynski@gmail.com. Please also send your stories and pictures of Janet.

 

• Date : 2022-04-13
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home