WON (nee Oakley), Janice (Jan) Evelyn
July 21, 1947 – October 7, 2010
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janice (Jan) Won on Thursday, October 7, 2010 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Jan was an incredible person. She was strong, positive and forthright as well as caring and compassionate. Jan’s love and main priority in life was the welfare and well-being of her family who was by her side when she peacefully slipped away. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend who will be truly missed. Her courage, strength and positive attitude and her concern for others were truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Jan was also blessed with many wonderful and caring friends who provided support during her ordeal.
Predeceased by her father, Bill Oakley, Jan leaves to mourn her passing, her husband of 41 years, Thorne, sons, Trevor (Stephanie) and Kevin (Alie), grandson Carson, mother Evelyn Oakley, brother David Oakley, close friend and sister-in-law Denise (Dennis) Lim and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Born in Victoria, Jan graduated from Oak Bay Senior High and received her B.Ed. and M.Ed. from the University of Victoria. She became an excellent and dedicated teacher who always had the interests of her students at heart. Jan always encouraged those around her, colleagues and students alike, to be the best they can be and to recognize their own potential. Her teaching career spanned four decades beginning in 1968 with the Greater Victoria School District. During her career, she also taught in Richmond, BC, Montreal, Que., Courtenay, BC and, for the past seven years, at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria where she was teacher-librarian.
We are grateful for the care and support provided by the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice and the BC Cancer Clinic. We are also grateful for the support and love shown by the St. Margaret’s School community during Jan’s illness.
It was Jan’s request that there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jan’s memory to the Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation or to the BC Cancer Agency.
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Bill and Louise Parker
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Patty Beatty-Guenter Thinking of you at this difficult time, and sending most sincere condolences. I remember Jan as a gracious and generous hostess; making others feel comfortable. I am sad that your beautiful life together has ended in this way. I hope that you draw some comfort from the support we send you through these thoughts.
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Lisa Reid For two years I had a classroom below Jan’s library. During that time, Jan and I forged a supportive and caring relationship with one another. Certainly, Jan was always “there for me” when I had had a bad day. (She could just tell by the look on my face that something was wrong.) For this and other small kindnesses I’ll always be grateful for having had known her. I’m sorry she didn’t have a chance to go on her India trip, but was happy to have known that she and Thorne had had a wonderful trip to China. (I saw her pictures and remember seeing the special hotel room that had been arranged for their anniversary and how delighted she had been with it.)
My thoughts are with the entire family at this time.
Sincerely,
Lisa Reid
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Sharon and Stephen We’re so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing – words of condolensce seem so insignificant at a time like this but we wanted to let you know that we are thinking of all of you and know that, with the passing of time, the recent tragic memories will give way to fond, happy memories. If there’s anything at all that we can do – don’t hesitate to let us know.
Love
Stephen and Sharon
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Marie & Bill Stebbing Our sincere condolences to you Thorne and family on your loss of Jan. Jan was a dear friend that I had the pleasure to serve with on the strata council. She gave endlessly of her time towards the betterment of our community. She believed in doing the right thing, the right way, the first time around. Jan’s courage, determination and positive outlook even in sickness prevailed. Remembring you, Jan! Marie
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Darlene DeMerchant I will miss you, Jan! You were a wonderful colleague and friend.
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Nan and Dave Lefebure We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all at this very sad time. Jan’s courage and grace will be remembered by all who knew her. She was a wonderful friend, colleague and fellow book club member. She will be dearly missed but her wonderful spirit lives on in all of us.
To Thorne and family. Louise and I want you to know how sorry we were to hear of Jan’s passing. We go to know her and what a wonderful person she was over the years at our summer get togethers. We will look back on those times fondly.