BROWNLEE, Janice Christena – May 19, 1940 – August 28, 2021
Passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at home, at the age of 81.
Lovingly remembered by her siblings, Bayden (Bev), Norman (Deanna), Ruth, Drenda (Raymond) and by her many nieces, nephews, and their families, all of the North Bay area.
Predeceased by her brother Edgar and her by parents, Adam and Agnes Brownlee.
Jan will be forever remembered by her dear friends, Carol, Robert, and Nicola Lake, and Carol Viscusi.
Jan left a lasting impression on those who knew her. Her infectious smile, her left arm raised in an enthusiastic greeting, and her spontaneous laughter captivated the attention of others where speech, at times, failed her.
Raised in the North Bay area, Jan settled in York Region where she taught school for almost 30 years in Aurora and Nobleton. Having attained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education, with a focus on Special Education, she dedicated her life to her profession and to the students in her care.
In 1991, at the young age of 51, a severe and paralyzing stroke nearly took her life and abruptly ended Jan’s teaching career.
With a tenacity that few possess, Jan relearned to walk and to talk and to live on her own again. She attended church and participated in weekly Senior’s Bible study. She attended community programs for people with aphasia.
In recent years, she spent most time with her dear friend, Carol V., joyriding around town, participating in musical activities, and generally enjoying what each day provided.
Her family and friends remain forever grateful for the care, compassion, respect, and love that was shown Jan during the 8 years she called the Roxborough home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Campus Church, 14430 Bathurst Street, Aurora on Thursday, September 9th at 1 pm. Private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Youth Unlimited, 95 Jonesville Cres., 2nd floor, Toronto, ON, M4A 1H2.
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