2016/01/09 Jan den Boer

Our dear friend and cousin Jan den Boer passed away recently. Jan was Kate's first cousin and a life long chum. Kate and I have collected some of our photos into an album which should be shared -- see below.

The obituary, which ran in the Toronto Star and the Portage Daily Graphic (Portage la Prairie was Jan's childhood home) reads:

JANICE MARGARET den BOER (nee RITCHIE) In loving memory of Jan den Boer who passed away peacefully at McNally House Hospice in Grimsby on Saturday, January 9, 2016. Jan was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, but spent most of her adult years in Ontario where in addition to years of working in marketing, she enjoyed cooking, golf, fashion and shopping. She was the beloved daughter of the late Elmo and Dorothy ("Dot") Ritchie and loved sister of Jack Ritchie of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jan will be greatly missed by her family: nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and her many, many friends. She will be forever remembered for her kindness, generosity, ready smile and sense of humour, as well as the strength and bravery with which she faced her illness. A special thanks to the staff and volunteers of McNally House Hospice for their ongoing support and compassionate care and to other medical staff who provided exceptional care. Donations in Jan's memory may be made to McNally House Hospice. www.mcnallyhousehospice.com A private celebration of Jan's life will be held at a later date.