Janis Anne GIBSON
Janis Gibson (Fogg), age 74, unexpectedly passed away on November 24, 2023, with her family by her side. Janis leaves behind her husband, Terry, of 53 years; her children Shannon (Darryl) and Ashton; her grandchildren Mikaila and Mason (Kelsey). She is survived by her siblings Doug (Sandy), their children Lisa (Clint) and Brad (Jess); Colleen (Dave), her child Nicole; Gary (Audrey), their child Miranda. Janis is also survived by Terry’s siblings Wes (Marlene), Mel (Wilma), Dan (Arlene), Margaret (Phil), and all of their children. Janis loved and valued her cousins, nieces, and nephews, having a special individualized relationship with each of them. She was a second mom to many, and spoiled many dogs over the years.
Janis was born in St. James, Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1949, to Janet and Melville Fogg. She attended Britannia school and St. James Collegiate where she played basketball and competed in high jump. Growing up she spent a lot of her time with her father who taught her many construction and handyman skills. She also helped her mother look after her younger siblings. Fond memories for Janis were made in the summer while spending time at Grand Beach with her family. Her father taught her how to shoot pool, and when in high school the pool hall was her hangout! As a young adult, she loved riding motorcycles and continued to love their rumbling. She also spoke of her time working as a carhop at A&W. It was in these young adult years where she gained her appreciation for 60’s rock music and Burton Cummings.
Janis met the love of her life, Terry, at Grand Beach. Stories of forgetting tent pegs and their first date, at the Grand Beach dance hall, were reminisced about for years. Janis and Terry were married in 1969. University, for Terry, became easier and grades improved after meeting Janis. Her encouragement and typing of his term papers got him through his courses; Janis also typed Terry’s friends’ papers for them! Additionally, Janis encouraged Terry to pursue his love of golf and always genuinely asked how his game transpired.
Janis and Terry started a family in 1970, with the birth of Shannon. Having a young family, Janis did not want Terry, or her, to miss out on life. They brought Shannon with them everywhere they went. Janis and Terry completed their family in 1978, when their son Ashton was born. They shared numerous life experiences together as a family.
Janis appreciated the opportunity to live across Canada as Terry’s job took him to Ottawa, Edmonton, Toronto, and Saskatoon. She said it gave her family a broader perspective of life. Janis was fortunate to receive her own job transfers with Canada Revenue Agency when Terry was also transferred.
Neighbours, work colleagues, and family have many positive comments about Janis’ skills and talents. She could fix things around the house, build accent walls, and paint entire homes. In fact, some of Janis’ favourite gifts were saws, drills, and other tools. She made houses into homes through her exceptional ability to visualise and decorate. She also had exceptional sewing skills sewing clothing for her children, Halloween costumes, drapes, and comforters to name a few. Over the years, Janis learned many crafts and hobbies including puzzles, ceramics, rug hooking, paper tole, needlepoint, cross stitch and stained glass. Her cross-stitched Christmas stockings have left a lasting impact on so many. She first made them for immediate family, then extended family, and even for distant relatives she never met. This demonstrates the love and devotion Janis had for her family, regardless of distance. Having made stockings for all of her family members, she also made stockings for close friends and their families.
Janis celebrated many milestones in Las Vegas. She loved the vegas shows and shopping at the malls. She got to know a waiter at one of her favourite steak houses at the South Point casino. She provided three stockings to his children. A highlight in the restaurant one night was when she took the third Christmas stocking out of her bag for the waiter’s little girl!
Janis is admired for her ability to talk to anyone. She took the time to get to know people, making them feel valued. She put in much effort to connect and stay in touch. Facebook was Janis’ social medium of choice. It was through Facebook that she was able to reconnect with cousins she lost contact with as children. Despite the distance, she never lost touch with others by engaging in Facebook posts. Janis also loved gatherings with friends and/or family. She loved seeing laughter and would bring up beautiful comments about what was important to her while cleaning up after the evening.
Take a moment to remember Janis the next time you are having a Diet Pepsi, chocolate milk, an Aero bar, or plain Lays chips. Smile and reminisce about her selflessness of putting others before herself, bringing out the best in people, and doing nice things for others.
This is such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. I grew up with Terry in St. Charles and we attended St. Charles United Church. His Mother, Rose and Aunty Mabel taught me in Sunday School. I met Janis at the Salisbury House on Roseberry and Ellice in Winnipeg where we were car hops during high school, and we connected immediately. This was before she met Terry. She was kind, sweet and very pretty. We lost touch over the years and reconnected on Facebook. I was so surprised that she and Terry met, fell in love and married. I loved hearing all her stories and how she was so proud of her children. I am so sorry Shannon as you and your Mom were extremely close. Please give your Dad a warm hug for me. I know that you will take warmth and comfort in all of the wonderful memories that you share.
May you Rest in Peace Janis. We love you and will miss you so much. You were always a kind, loving person. You had such a wonderful heart.
A beautiful tribute to a very special lady. My sincere condolences to the Terry, Shannon, Ashton, and the family on this huge loss. She will be missed by all the knew her .
I’m missing you already, my good friend. I struggle to find the right words to express my feelings of sadness in losing you and the joy in having known you.
My Terry and I send our deepest condolences to Terry, Shannon & Ashton.
Janice, you were more than a co-worker – you were a confident a friend and sometimes a matchmaker! Although we haven’t touched base in years, your lessons live on. You will be missed💕
Janis what a journey from 501 parkview st in St james .
Who is going to teach the kids and grandkids what to do left handed ?
Who will feed our dogs at the dining table?Home renovation projects will need to be put on hold without your help And who will make those world class XMAS stocking that are so cherished by those who received one .
Thank you for all the memories you will not be forgotten !
Doug and sandy
So sorry to hear, Terry, Shannon and family. Janis will live on with fond smiles in my memories.
So sorry for your loss Terry, Shannon and Ashton.
After all these years I still miss all the days and nights we spent at bowling alleys with everyone. Rest in Peace Janis.
Sincere condolences to Terry, Ashton and Shannon.
May happy memories bring you comfort.
There is still light to guide us in the world from the love she gave us.
Thank you, my friend.
Odarka Devlin
So sorry for your loss, Terry, Shannon and Ashton. I have such wonderful memories of Janis. She is deeply missed
Janis will be missed.
I have wonderful memories of coming out to visit you all in Edmonton with my Grandma Anne. Janis treated me like another daughter, I remember being received so warmly, with joy and kindness. My thoughts are with you, Terry, Shannon and Ashton, in this time of grief. — Robin in New Mexico
I have wonderful memories of visiting Edmonton with my Grandma Anne. Janis especially received me with so much warmth and kindness, treating me like another daughter. She also stayed in touch over the years, online, always engaging with me and my sister. My thoughts are with you, Terry, Shannon, Ashton and the Fogg clan. Much love, Robin in New Mexico.
So sorry to hear of Janis’s passing. I lived next door to Janis on Parkview and remember all the good times we had. My condolences to Terri and family. I had wondered why I wasn’t seeing her name on Facebook. Such a shock!! Roxy Preston( Davis)