Born on August 2, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Dorothy Luther. She is survived by her husband, Kelly of 44 years, her sons, Brent and Ryan, of Kitchener, her baby girl dog Leighla, her sister Susan of Huntsville, and a host of longtime friends.
Mom was an honest, kind, generous, strong-willed woman who loved her family and friends so very much. She was an empath, made friends easily and they would often call her for support or advice. She was a 20 year foster parent with Family & Children's Services of the Waterloo Region and took great pride in being a Mom to her many foster children. Mom was an excellent cook who enjoyed discovering and cooking interesting recipes and always asked for feedback. She was an animal lover who enjoyed spending time with her dogs, Meggie and later Leighla. She also enjoyed feeding and watching "her" birds in the backyard. She loved playing card games on her laptop, especially with her mother, sons, and foster children.
One of Mom's favourite quotes she often used to describe her dogs, Meggie and Leighla, sitting proudly, was "Look at her, she's just sitting right up there like Nanny Anne". A funny family story was when Mom arrived home to find the chicken she had cooked for dinner eaten. Mom stormed into the family room where our Dad was sleeping and exclaimed in a high voice, "Kelly, did you eat that chicken?" Dad immediately woke up out of a deep sleep, very startled. As he attempted to sit up with his arms moving left and right, he made a startled moaning sound. This story was retold many times through the years and it always made her laugh.
Mom always wanted the best for her family, and even in what would become her last days, she advised her sons on ways they could further improve their lives. Mom was a long time member of St. George's of Forest Hill Anglican Church in Kitchener and spent many Sundays in the church nursery caring for members' infants and children.
At Mom's request, a memorial service will be held at St. George's of Forest Hill Anglican Church by Rev Dr Stephen Hendry for immediate family.
Many thanks to Dr. Mary Decarolis, her oncologist, Dr. Anthony Whitton, her radiation oncologist and the entire oncology team.
Your husband and sons miss you incredibly and we are so sad that we didn't get a chance to say our goodbyes while you were still alive.
In lieu of flowers, donations if so desired may be directed to The Salvation Army as expressions of sympathy.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Janice's obituary notice on Facebook.