Janko – Gwendolyn Martha Janko (nee Million) of Brooks, passed peacefully in her sleep at Sunrise Gardens on Sunday July 17th, 2022. Born Dec. 29th, 1930 in Maple Creek, SK, Gwen was the last living member of a family of nine. Leaving home at a young age with her sister Marjorie, Gwen lived with her sister, Mayme, in Goderich, Ontario, cleaning rooms in a local hotel, and then moving west with the hope of making enough money to “buy a fur coat”. While working at the pea plant in Brooks, she met Albie Janko, and, after a short courtship, they were married. The young couple lived for a few years on Albie’s parent’s farm and welcomed two daughters, Arlene and Ronalie, into their lives before purchasing their own 80 acres a short distance away. Teree was born several years later. They raised all kinds of livestock, and every child enjoyed visiting the farm. Gwen managed a large yard, grew a big garden, and did a lot of the farm work while Albie worked away from home to support the family. Gwen and Albie hosted numerous gatherings for family and friends. The door was always open, and, when the dog barked, Gwen would just put another plate on the table, and enough food for all magically appeared. Gwen lost the love of her life, Albie, in 2018. Her strength and kindness will forever guide her three daughters: Arlene Currie, Ronalie (Shawn) Campbell and Teree (Ken) Hokanson. Her grandchildren will remember her warmth and understanding: Duce Currie, Dallas (Terryn) Currie, Kristian (Roxana) Campbell, Kelsey (Malissa) Campbell, Cody Campbell, Kalbie Hokanson and Jarek Hokanson. She will be fondly remembered by her great-grandchildren: Tylissa, Casey, Blair, Rayne and Takaya Currie; J.C, Spencer, Cassidy, Addison, Knud, Brett and Carter Campbell, and one great-great-grandson, Malcolm Currie. Also mourning her passing are her sisters-in-law: Doreen Janko, Mildred Kolody, Joy Layden, and Jean Phelps and numerous nieces and nephews from as far away as Rome, Italy and closer to home in Ontario, BC and Alberta. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 5th at 11:00 AM from The Heritage Inn and Convention Centre. Rev. Janice Whitelock officiating. Mom never got her fur coat, but she was wrapped in the love of family and spent most of her life outside on the farm that she loved. In memory of Gwen, please plant a tree or flowers of your choice, as she loved both. Thank you to Dr. Thomson and all the amazing staff at Sunrise Gardens for the exceptional care and compassion given to Mom.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free 866-362-4652
