ELEANOR JANET GRIFFIN

March 12, 1935 ~ June 12, 2020

We are sad to inform you that Eleanor Janet Griffin passed away peacefully at Diamond Care Home in Warman June 12, 2020 at 85 years of age.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends having touched our lives with deep love, compassion, and grace.

Janet was born March 12, 1955 in Rosthern SK, to Pauline Baun and Bernard Jacob (Ben) Giesbrecht along with her siblings Catherine (Cathy), Richard Bruce Giesbrecht, and Bernard Gerald Giesbrecht (Bernie).

Janet attended elementary and high school in Rosthern, SK then moving to Saskatoon to become a registered nurse through St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing.  Having met good friends in training, several of them began careers in Kerrobert, SK. Later mom moved to Nipawin and then back to the University Hospital in Saskatoon as a married woman.

Janet met Ray William George Griffin while training in Swift Current and was married Sept 3, 1960 in Rosthern.  They had 2 children, Douglas and Sharlene and were happily married for 59 years.  From 1963 on their life was spent contented in Prince Albert.

Becoming a mom in 1961 Janet stopped nursing to raise children, returning to this career in 1980.

A full time mom from the time of her son’s arrival Janet had Douglas in 1961 and Sharlene in 1964.  When Sharlene neared grade 12 graduation Janet resumed her nursing career.  Janet’s children and grandchildren remained her lifelong commitment, greatest joy and constant love.

Janet nursed for 17 years at Mont St. Josephs Nursing Home describing her work as a joy for herself, but in turn giving much comfort with her quick smile, gentle care and hugely compassionate heart.

Janet appreciated nature during many walks, hours in the yard gardening or tending flowers.  She was inspired by music, blessing her children with memories of beautiful piano playing including a favorite Stephen Adams rendition of the Holy City. She often shared her handiwork of beautiful quilting, crocheting and knitting with others.

Janet was always an active and passionate member of her faith community, beginning at Rosthern Mennonite Church then Calvary United Church in Prince Albert.  Enjoying the church choir for many years, participating in countless bible studies with Ray, serving in pastoral care in hospitals, stuffing hampers for less fortunate, stuffing turkeys for Fall suppers mom continuously sought to contribute with her generous spirit.

Janet is predeceased by her husband Ray, parents Pauline and Ben, brothers Bruce and Bernie.  Janet will be greatly missed by her sister Cathy Goodall (Edmonton), her children Doug Griffin (Jorge) and Sharlene Driedger (Don) and grandchildren – the great joys of her life- Tracey (Lethbridge) and Erika (Lethbridge). There is no way to count the number of friend and family that will deeply miss her as well.

Asked what she would like to be remembered for Janet replied “making their lives better in some way.  I would hope they would know how much I loved them.

Anyone who spoke with Janet understood she cared deeply, loved to listen and loved to talk having no bad words to say about anyone.   Seeking no recognition or reward in life she gave.   It’s a privilege to call this beautiful woman our mother, grandmother, sister and friend…we are blessed.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care given to Janet by all the staff at Diamond House and Calvary United church community.

Grays Funeral Chapel and Staff would like to apologize to the family and friends of Mrs. Griffin for the technical difficulties faced during the taping of the service. We unfortunately had full intention of videotaping the service but realized immediately after the camera had malfunctioned and only taped the beginning portion. Grays Funeral Chapel has re-taped the parts of the service with Clergy, readings, and music and using the video and photos have made a montage of the events with video highlights, this is only accessible by contacting family directly. If the personal reflections of Doug, Sharlene, Cathy, Tracey and Erika would like to be viewed, the family will make that available as well. We again apologize to family and friends for their loss of this special moment, and hope that we can celebrate her life in this way and ease any pain.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.

• Date : 2020-06-12
• Location : Warman, SK