November 2, 1944 August 17, 2015. Janice Prince passed away from complications related to breast cancer on Monday August 17, 2015 at the age of 70. Janice is survived by her devoted husband, best friend, and companion of 35 years, Phil Prince; by her sister Caresse Rutledge (Bill), her brother Lyle Cherewick, her sisterinlaw Pat Jameson and their families; and by Phil’s brothers Paul, Brian (Corinne), Terry and families. She
is also survived by two, very special, lifelong friends, Judy Nordness (Saskatoon) and Carolin Robertson (Kelowna). Janice was born in Rose Valley Saskatchewan, near her home town of Nora, where her father Mike Cherewick and mother Anna made their home. Mike ran an Imperial Oil fuel supply depot and general store serving the local community. Janice’s sister and brother were much older than Janice and left home at relatively young ages so Janice’s upbringing was similar to that of an only child (although she did have weekend siblings on many occasions). Â
Later, of course, her brother and sister were an important part of her life. She had many fond memories of helping in both the store and the fuel depot and developing a close relationship with her father, Mike. She also became an exceptional cook through a childhood apprenticeship at her mother Anna’s side. In spite of the time required for this homebased educational program, Janice was an outstanding academic student throughout her life. She graduated high school with the highest grade-point average in the province, and went on to University, first at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, where she received her Bachelor of Education Degree with Distinction, and was awarded the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Prize in Education. Â
She then spent about two years teaching high school in Canora, Saskatchewan. Subsequently she enrolled in the Graduate Studies program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where she earned a Master of Arts (English Literature) and completed all course requirements for a Doctoral degree. Her very ambitious concept for a Ph.D. thesis: a comparative study of five of the most influential writers in the United States history of letters, did not survive the ‘life happens’ challenge. She never regretted the effort expended and her life and that of her friends were enriched by the knowledge she gained during this period. Nor did she neglect her other great interest music. While going to school, Janice was also dedicated to piano mastery. She earned an Associate of The Royal Conservatory (ARCT) diploma for Performers from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto (associated with the University of Toronto). Subsequently, following two more years of study, she earned the Licentiate in Piano Performance from Trinity College London, England (LTCL). Â
Along the way, she became one of the earliest teachers in the renowned Yamaha children’s music program and was recognized in the local press for her contributions to the children of Saskatoon. She also taught piano to many private students to assist her through university. Janice loved teaching and began teaching English as a lecturer at the University of Alberta, later moving to Red Deer College. When that program ended she moved to Calgary and resumed a relationship with her future husband, Phil, a relationship that had begun over many conversations and debates at the University of Alberta’s student pub. They were married on August 14, 1987. She accepted a role accompanying the Mount Royal Children’s choir, under the leadership of Karol Dabbs, who, with her late husband Don, became close friends.
Later Janice accompanied one more Mount Royal choir, led by Elaine Quilichini, another accomplished musician. For several years, Janice and Phil enjoyed the company of the many fine musicians at Mount Royal’s choir events and associated social activities. This phase of Janice’s life journey wound down when she became involved with the Opportunity 45 Society where she dedicated herself to helping older adults in the work force find fulfilling and rewarding employment. She was the inspiration for the well-regarded Plus Program that was designed specifically to address the issues faced by older adults who find themselves unemployed. During one assessment of this program, that tracked 100 clients, 97 job placements were recorded. She was invited to serve on the national task force of One Voice The Canadian Seniors Network, which required some travel to Ottawa and Toronto, travel she accepted reluctantly, thus proving her dedication to the cause. Â
She continued to promote the value of mature citizens in the work force, even after her retirement. Janice was an independent thinker with a unique view of the world around her. She was a highly committed teacher and brought her deep understanding of English literature to all aspects of her life. She had an intuitive understanding of design that allowed her to decorate her surroundings (and herself) in an uncomplicated manner always reflecting her preference for understated elegance. Janice’s life ended too soon, and her family and friends grieve for her while taking solace from the fact that she lived a life that achieved much and contributed much.
The family would like to express sincere, heartfelt thanks, to the members of the medical community in Calgary, including the EMT professionals, staff at the Foothills Medical Centre, particularly those in Units 62 and 47, who looked after Janice, the staff at the Wentworth clinic, and to the Carewest Sarcee Hospice and staff who saw her through her final days. A celebration of Janice’s life will be held at RockPointe Church, Bowridge 12 Bowridge Drive NW, Calgary, on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Casual Dress acceptable. Memorial contributions may be made in Janice’s memory directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, by mail to 325 Manning Rd NE #200, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 or online at http://www.cancer.ca. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.edenbrookcemetery.ca. Arrangements entrusted to EDEN BROOK FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE.
