After a recurring battle with cancer, Daphne Eileen Janzen passed away on May 24, 2004 at her home in Chilliwack, BC. Born in 1920 in Brandon Man., Daphne was the eldest of eight children born to Walter and Dorothy Reed. She faced many hardships during her youth, which caused her to become strong-willed and independent.
In the early 1950’s, Daphne met and married John Janzen. She was immediately welcomed into the Janzen clan. Frequent get togethers were a regular part of the Janzen tradition. John and Daphne enjoyed these strong family connections during their time in Elm Creek, Man. In the 1960’s, John and Daphne moved to Chilliwack, BC where John began a successful car dealership.
Daphne was kept busy with the responsibility of raising their two daughters, Debbi and Kathie. During her free time, Daphne became an avid bowler and bowling instructor. She also loved to fish, whether it was on the banks of her Rose Rd. property or a special trip up north. She was a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and passed this allegiance on to her oldest grandson. She learned to make homemade wine and this became a yearly tradition. Daphne and John were blessed with six grandchildren who were a special part of their lives.
In their retirement years, they faced numerous health battles and in the late 1990’s, Daphne was left alone when John succumbed to cancer. She continued to keep herself busy with bowling, her raised bed garden, time with the grandchildren (including many hours at the hockey rink) driving around in her GMC “Jimmy” and going for lunch at Younies’ Restaurant.
Several years ago, Daphne moved into her youngest daughters home where she occupied a suite that was built just for her. As Daphne’s illness progressed, she made it clear that she wished to spend her final days at home and not in a hospital. With the support of her family and many homecare and hospice workers, she was able to fulfill this desire.
She was predeceased by her parents, as well as three siblings; Jim, Noreen, and Roy. Her greatest loss was the death of her husband, John in 1997.
Daphne is survived by her daughters, Debbi (Dan), Kathie (Larry) and Margaret. As well, she leaves behind her grandchildren, John, Joseph, Jeremy (fiancée, Deanna), Kiera, Jorie and Jared. She will be missed by her brothers, Calvin (Mary), Robert (Theresa) Dennis (Flora) and sister Audrey along with her many relatives from the Janzen family. She had many dear friends that will also mourn her passing.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday May 29, 2004 at 1:30 pm from the Chilliwack Baptist Church, 46336 First Ave. Chilliwack. BC, Pastor Matt Dressler officiating. A Viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 28, 2004 from 7-8 pm at Woodlawn Mt Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack BC.
If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Salvation Army Food Bank, in Daphne’s name.
“ Come to me, all you who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”
Matthew 11: 28,29