Janet Mary Ellis, 46, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away suddenly at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, ON on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.
She was born April 28, 1962 in Sudbury, ON to the late David Crook and the late Eleta Crook (nee Berrigan).
Janet had a rewarding career as an educational assistant for the Northwest Catholic District School Board. She greatly enjoyed working with her students, including special needs students, as well as her colleagues at several local schools.
Janet and her spouse, Dave Christiansen, spent many happy occasions fishing and boating at their cabin on Rainy Lake.
Janet was generous with her time, loved to laugh, and was an excellent cook. She loved preparing a meal and enjoying it with family and friends.
Janet particularly enjoyed spending time with her children, especially when she won at cards and board games.
An active member of St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances, Janet enjoyed watching NASCAR racing on television and showing off her grandchildren.
In addition to Dave Christiansen, Janet is survived by five children, Carolyn O’Brien, Meghan O’Brien, David Ellis, Robert Ellis, and Tyler Christiansen, all of Fort Frances, ON; and three grandchildren, Cassidy McCormick, Brooke McCormick, and Cameron O’Brien.
Also surviving are one sister, Maureen Crook-Bennett (Mike Bennett); three brothers, Larry Crook (Debbie Crook) of Mississauga, Ont., Brian Crook of Ottawa, Ont., and Michael Crook of Toronto, Ont.; as well as four nieces and extended family in Winnipeg, Pembroke, Renfrew, and St. Thomas.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 2, 2008 at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Visitation was held Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 6-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with parish prayers offered at 7 p.m.
Cremation followed in International Falls, Mn.
Interment in Fort Frances will follow at a later date.
The pallbearers were Ron Patrick, Bob Fedoruk, Norm Olson, Darryl Godin, Wayne Roy, and Pat Tysz.
The honourary pallbearers were Pam Rodrigues, Angie Godin, Sue Bogacki, Kitty Tysz, Carolyn Day, and Lynn Byrnes.
Donations in Janet’s memory can be made to Riverside Health Care Facilities-La Verendrye General Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Building Fund, 209 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B9, Stillpoint Retreat Centre, RR 1, Burnstown, Ont., K0J 1G0, or to a charity of one’s choice
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
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