It is with indescribable sadness that we must share that Jan, our beloved wife, mom, and grandma has passed.
Jan is lovingly remembered by the love of her life, her husband Chris; her adoring children Nicole, Tyler and Tom; daughter-in-law Alex, Tom’s partner Amy; and her darling granddaughter Clara.
Jan had many fond memories of growing up in Vancouver, BC. Jan received a Bachelor of Classical Studies and a Masters of Archival Studies from the University of British Columbia. She was passionate and knowledgeable about history throughout her life. Many of her happiest memories growing up were spending time with her grandmother and she so looked forward to her grandma time with Clara and grandkids to come.
In 1985 Jan moved to Toronto, where she and Chris spent many happy years before relocating to Victoria on New Years Eve 1991/2 to start their family. They were blessed to be soulmates and best friends, and were deeply in love for over 40 years. Jan passed just three days before their 37th wedding anniversary.
Jan described her years at home raising her children as the most important and deeply satisfying of her life. This time is also treasured by her now adult children. She always made it look easy, but in truth, the magic of her mothering was that everything was done with such care and devotion. She filled each day with playfulness, wonder, and warmth.
When Jan returned to work, she spent time at St. Ann’s Academy, where she especially loved helping with weddings, and with the Provincial Capital Commission as well as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. After retiring, her days were filled with family and friends, reading, gardening, creating family photo albums, cycling, and travel. An avid traveller and adventurer, Jan had an unquenchable thirst to see all that the world had to offer and to share those experiences and memories with her family and loved ones. At the end of each day, she and Chris would share and discuss their thoughts and experiences and settle into a loving evening companionship.
Above all else, Jan was a devoted and endlessly loving wife and mom. She was the beating heart of our family, tireless in creating joy in all the simple moments, building and maintaining traditions, and the daily showering of us all with her nurturing, bright and beautiful spirit. Jan was, and will continue to be, so deeply and dearly loved and cherished. She was a beautiful soul and is carried with us, in all that we do and all that we are, for the rest of our lives.
A service to honor Jan’s life will be held on Saturday May 31, 2025, at 2:00pm at St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC. All who were fortunate enough to know and love Jan are welcome.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Norman” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Robin Keirstead
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Nicola and Zenn Thank you for inviting us in to some of your special family gatherings. It’s been a treasured joy to enjoy these moments with all of you, and witness the beautiful second family my daughter has been blessed with and deeply embraced by.
I am so sorry for your loss, and saddened not to be sharing this sacred and honoured grandparenting journey with this lovely lady. My deepest condolences. You are a beautiful strong family that will cherish Jan forever. She’s very lucky to be so loved.
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Pamela Smith I knew Jan when we both attended Carson Graham Secondary. I have fond memories of her and still have the miniature artwork she gave me…a souvenir from a trip she made to Europe one summer. I am sad to hear of her passing. Thinking of Jan and sending my heartfelt condolences to her family.
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Rick Crosby Gail and I extend our condolences to the Norman family. I had the good fortune to connect with Chris and Jan through working with Jan at the Provincial Capital Commission. As a small organization Jan was an extremely versatile and valuable resource, in particular wearing many hats as the Board Secretary. Her dedication and support was invaluable and highly respected. We are deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Will treasure the memories and thankful we crossed paths.
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Rachel Cheng (DeMott) I’m so saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her at the Provincial Capital Commission early in my career, and she was always so lovely, warm, and supportive. I remember her kindness and encouragement so clearly – it made such a difference to me. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
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Jocelyn and Derek Swallow We were very saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. We remember Jan from when our son, Sean and Nicole were at Gordon Head School together and later AT Lambrick Park High School. Jan was a vibrant, engaging woman always ready to lend a hand. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Debbie, Bob, Marlena and Brianna Wright We first met Jan and family when our daughters were in elementary school together. Brianna and Nicki became quick friends, and stayed close through middle school as well. We remember Jan volunteering her time for the students at Gordon Head School, playing Bunco, and walking in the neighbourhood with Katie the dog. We can’t believe she’s gone.
With our deepest sympathy,
Debbie, Bob, Marlena and Brianna Wright
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Roy Schaeffer and Kathryn Choi It’s very hard to know what to say after thirty-five years of friendship. We had such good times together, and though we distance has prevented much contact in recent years, we always treasured the relationship. Jan will remain forever young and vital in our memory. Our profound condolences to the entire family.
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Sharlene I’m shocked and saddened to read about the passing of this beautiful soul. Jan radiated intelligence, compassion, and joy and it was always a blessing to be in her presence. Much love to you Chris, and to Nicole, Tyler, and Tom.
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Chris Norman Chris here. BTW you can forward Jan’s obituary to anyone you think would be interested.
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Greg O’Connor Terribly saddened to read of Jan’s passing.She was a wonderful and supportive mom to you kids.You have my sincerest condolences.
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Michelle Porter Her wonderful, warm, supportive friendship of over 30 years was a privilege, and she will be missed very much. Deepest condolences to you all as her love for you was at the core of all she did. She was taken far too soon from a blessed life. Huge hugs.
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Fran Blake I think of Jan often. I miss seeing her on a regular basis.
I know you have so many beautiful memories to cherish and I am so very sorry there will not be more new ones with her warm smile.
Regretfully, I am in Ontario the day of her service. I am sorry to have to miss it.
My thoughts and support to you all.
Sincerely.
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Ann Bueschkens I remember Jan very well from junior high. She was always thoughtful, kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. My deepest condolences to her family during this very difficult time.
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Anna Norman, Rita Young, Belinda Betz, Evelyn Betz Chris, we were so sorry to hear the news of Jan’s passing. We send our deepest condolences.
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Maureen Taylor Chris, I’m shocked and saddened to read this. My condolences to you and your family. I know what a very special person Jan was. I have no words. Sending you love.
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Karen Norman All our love to you all. Wish we could be there to celebrate her amazing life. With our thoughts and prayers. Matthew, Karen, Alex, Connor Tanner and Hannah Norman.
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Cynthia Hamilton So sorry to hear of this. I have many fond memories of Jan and it is truly heartbreaking to hear of her passing. My condolences to the family.
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Rachelle Keeley I am among the lucky that knew Jan and got to spend some time with her. Her sense of humor and her fabulous way of being will stay with me always. Much love and appreciation to her family.
Chris, the news of Jan’s passing was and continues to be such a shock. Perhaps because we had not been in close contact for many years she remains firmly fixed in my memory as an active professional and young mother, with so much ahead of her. Jan was first a classmate, then a colleague, and finally and most importantly a friend. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.