July 9, 1943 ~ January 3, 2020 (age 76)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Janet Deakins on January 3, 2020.

Mom was born on July 9, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario. After finishing school, she continued on to become a hairdresser until events limited her ability to continue later being diagnosed with MS in her thirties. Regardless she was always and example of strength and courage.

Although burdened with this future of uncertainty, she carried on her life able to live in her own home as her disease progressed until her final few days. This was due to the help of family, friends and home care over the years.

Mom was able to be a part of seeing her own children grow up, graduate, get married and have children of their own. Most recently learning on Thanksgiving Day, about the arrival of a great-grandson in April. For most these life events are a normal occurrence, but for mom were a miracle and blessing that she too was able to experience it.

In the end it was a brief battle with Cancer that her delicate body just couldn’t fight. Her acceptance and courage made everyone else feel at ease.

Mom had a caring heart and genuinely cared for others and their misfortunes. The day before her passing she wanted to know how Alex Trebek was doing.

Her love for animals was no different, she would sit for hours watching you tube videos of animals and their antics, laughing hysterically, then watching it again. Her crazy sense of humour, love for her family and her courage will be forever remembered.

Predeceased by her father Arthur (1947) her stepfather Ernest (1991) and mother (2015).

Mom is survived by her husband Ed of 55 years, Son Darrin, daughters Lee-Anne (Steve) and Lindsay (Ben), Grandchildren Cameron (Liz), Kaitlyn (Jordan) and Alicia. Brother David Nelson and Sister Lyla Brady as well as Aunts, Cousins, Nieces, nephews and their children.

The family would also like to mention their sincere thanks to Dr. Desai for the past 40 years, Faye, Emma, Julie I, dear friend Jeanette, home support and the nurses in the palliative care unit at Nanaimo Hospital.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the MS Society or our local SPCA.

God looked around his garden- And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth- And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you -And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful -He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering -He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never – Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough – And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids – And whispered, ‘Peace be thine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you – But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you – The day God called you home.

Condolences through https://www.yatesmemorial.ca/

• Date : 2020-01-03