In Loving Memory of Janice
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Janice (McNiven) MacKay, 83, of Sackville, New Brunswick on Tuesday, January 18th at the Drew Nursing Home, Sackville with her loving husband, Wayne, by her side.
Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Janice was a daughter of the late James McNiven and Ida Pratt.
Growing up in Saint John, Jan loved swimming, skating, ballet and was a member of the Canadian Girls in Training [CGIT]. She attended Saint John High School and graduated in 1955 where she excelled in the classroom and graduated top of her class.
Upon graduation, Jan continued her education at Mount Allison University before starting work as a Lab Technician at Saint John and Moncton Hospitals. She then moved on to the RCMP Crime Lab in Sackville, where she became the Lab’s first female technician. To her credit, Jan opened the door for dozens of talented women in the field who took her lead and soared.
Jan loved to volunteer and give back to the community. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Food Bank for many years. A devout member of the United Church, she taught Sunday school, and was an active member of UCW.
As an adult, gardening, reading, and crafts became her passion. A voracious reader, Jan loved romance and mystery novels. She was an avid gardener who surrounded her home with flower beds worthy of magazine recognition. Her creativity with knitting and crochet resulted in many treasured gifts for friends and family. She also looked forward to her weekly Rummoli nights with her friends. She was an amazing cook, and baking was her specialty. She somehow kept the cookie jar stocked despite many hands dipping in.
She always cherished her summers spent at the cottage in Murray Corner, starting in the 70’s searching for shells and sea glass with Richard and Scott, and in recent years collecting hermit crabs and making sandcastles with her grandsons.
She will be sadly missed by her husband Wayne, lovingly remembered by her sons Scott and Richard (Tina-Maria), and grandsons Braden, Brevin and Brodie.
Besides her parents, Janice was pre-deceased by brothers, James, Eldon and Donald, and sisters, Lois and Joan.
It’s such a difficult loss for the family, as she was the rock that kept them all together. The entire family had some time to prepare for this, though they found over the course of the past few days and weeks that nothing really prepares you for losing someone who is so much a part of the fabric of your family’s daily life.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Drew Nursing Home for there support for Jan.
Those wanting to make a donation in memory of Jan can give to the Sackville Food Bank, Drew Nursing Home, Sackville United Church, or charity of choice.
Arrangements for Jan have been entrusted into the care and supervision of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300). A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 6-8 pm with a funeral to follow on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2 pm.
A graveside committal service for Jan has been scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday May 14, 2022 at the Sackville Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones funeral Home Facebook Page.