Patricia Janz

JANZ _ Patricia Anne (nee Van Tighem) August 22, 1958 - December 14, 2005 After a lengthy illness, Patricia Anne Van Tighem Janz finally found peace on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. She is survived by her beloved and cherished children, Molly, Tobin, Claire, and James. Patricia is lovingly remembered by her mother, Eileen Van Tighem; sisters, Margaret (Michael) Bailey, and Jane Ellen (Greg) Durnie; brothers, Gordon (Carol) Van Tighem, Kevin (Gail) Van Tighem, Michael (Brenda) Van Tighem, Tom Van Tighem, Greg Van Tighem, Bernard (Michelle) Van Tighem; and her children's father, Trevor Janz. She will also be missed by her extended Janz family, who were friends as well as relatives, and her loving nieces and nephews. Patricia was predeceased by her father Jack Van Tighem in 1991, and sister Mary Van Tighem in 1994. Born and raised in Calgary, Patricia graduated from St. Mary's High School and later completed the nursing program at Mount Royal College. In 1989, she received her Bachelor of Science (Nursing) with Distinction from the University of Victoria. Patricia served proudly as a nurse at Calgary's Foothills Hospital. She moved with her family to Nelson B.C. in 1993. Despite requiring multiple surgeries, enduring chronic pain and suffering episodic mental illness, Patricia was an understatedly effective volunteer. She established a Calgary branch of 'About Face', which supports people with facial disfigurement. After the birth of her daughter Claire, Patricia made significant contributions to 'Ups and Downs', a resource for families of children with Down's Syndrome. She recently initiated an information night and support group for Nelson parents addressing the developmental challenges of special needs children. Beyond these endeavours, Patricia gave inspirational public addresses and wrote with brave candor, attracting national and international media attention. Patricia was perhaps best known as an award-winning author, in particular for her novel, 'The Bear's Embrace'. This work began as a therapeutic attempt to deal with the lasting pain, disfigurement and trauma of the grizzly bear attack Patricia survived in 1983; to her humble surprise, the book became a Canadian best-seller. Patricia will be remembered with enduring affection, admiration and respect also for her remarkable kindness, insight and strength of spirit in the face of unending tribulation. Patricia remains a great blessing in the lives of those she touched, including her many, many friends. Her family thanks the legions of compassionate people who cared for and about Patricia for over two decades. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 - 14 Street S.W.) on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 - 14 Street S.W.) on Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.commemorativeservices.ca . In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Patricia's memory to a trust fund for her children, c/o 'The Janz - Van Tighem Trust Fund' (Investors Group, 100 - 37 Richard Way S.W. CalgarY, Alberta T3E 7M8). Arrangements in care of COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Telephone: 265-1199. Calgary Family Owned and Operated www.commemorativeservices.ca