Obituary - Janice-Luanne Tonin

“I am not sad I am going to die, I am only sad I will not be here to watch my grandson grow, I guess I will have to do it from heaven above....”
Janice Tonin (July 2009)


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandma on November 26, 2009 at the Edmonton General Hospital 9Y in Edmonton, Alberta. Janice was born in Medicine Hat on July 24, 1955 to Phillip and Sophie Tonin. Throughout her childhood, Janice spent her days daydreaming and growing along with her brothers, Don and Greg. In the winter of 1979, at the age of 24, she married. In August of that same year Janice was blessed with her first son, Timothy Jr. Over the years, Janice held many positions and learned to live, laugh and play. In July of 1993 Janice was again blessed with a son, Tassie Jr. In time Janice found her calling as a Nursing Attendant at Valley View Care Center in Medicine Hat, Alberta. After six years of service, Janice decided to move on. Long after she had quit, she fondly remembered each and every one of the residents she had cared for in those years. In July of 2008, in anticipation of the arrival of her first grandchild, Janice and her family moved to Edmonton. While there, Janice again found her place working for Safeway in the deli. She was widely loved by her co-workers and will continue to be their “Deli Angel”. In May 2009, Janice was sadly diagnosed with cancer. Janice filled her remaining days laughing with friends, enjoying the feel of the sun against her skin, and watching her grandchildren grow. On November 26, 2009 after a valiant fight, Janice peacefully left her earthly body. Janice is survived by long time companion, Darell; children, Timothy Jr (Lisa) and Tassie Jr.; biological grandson, Xander and step-grandchildren, Connar, Rebecka, and Ryden; siblings, Don and Greg (Barb) and many more loving family and friends. Janice was predeceased by her loving parents, Sophie Tonin (1995) and Phillip (Banjo) Tonin (1997). A Celebration of Janice’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13th Street S.W., on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Barrett Scheske officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Our deepest gratitude to the Nursing staff and doctors at the Cross Cancer Institute and the Edmonton General Hospital 9Y for their diligent and kind work. You are often forgotten in the chaos that is your profession. You are and will always be in our prayers - Thank you. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Janice’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 1Z8.