Obituary of Janice Deborah Van Dusen

Janice Deborah Van Dusen (nee Jones) beloved mother and grandmother passed peacefully on June 24, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 75.

Janice was born on December 7, 1948 and was a lifelong resident in the community of Westboro in Ottawa, Ontario. She was the daughter of the late Anita Jones (Jack Crowder) and grew up with a deep love for her siblings late Donnie, late Wayne (Cammie) and Jerry (Linda). In 1968, she married the love of her life, David Van Dusen, with whom she shared 20 wonderful years until his abrupt passing in 1989. Janice was a beloved sister-in-law and aunt to the extensive Van Dusen family.

Janice was a devoted mother to her children Susan Dever and Jamie (Jennifer) Van Dusen.  As a Nana, she was adored by her grandchildren Kayla, Oliver and Scarlett.  Family and celebrating holiday’s (especially Christmas) brought Janice her greatest joy and she poured her heart into creating many special memories.  Janice was the absolute worst in waiting to give gifts, because she found so much joy in seeing others happy.  Even though she was not necessarily with us on the vacations or special events like concerts or shows she sent us on, our memories from them include her and we are eternally grateful for her generous soul (Nana, send us a pic of the stage from where you are seated now).

She was a valued employee of the Ottawa Hospital for over 30 years, where she worked as a booking agent for CT & Radiology at the Civic Campus.  It was at this job that Janice made many lifelong friends.  Her compassion extended beyond her family, touching the lives of many through her acts of kindness and selflessness.

In her free time, Janice enjoyed visiting the local casinos to play the slot machines and snacking on Pringles.  She collected African art and only recently told us that elephants weren’t her favorite of the African animals, but for some reason people kept giving them to her.  Janice also enjoyed gardening and home improvement.  Come the first signs of Spring Janice would rush off to the garden center and could often be found perusing the isles at Home Depot.

We will fondly remember Janice for her stubbornness and commend her for always knowing what she liked and what she didn’t. Inside her tough exterior was a very soft and compassionate soul.  Janice cared for many pets throughout her life and always put their needs over hers.  Tyson was the king of her household, Jackson a very spoiled grand-puppy and finally Jo who may have shown up without choice but stole her heart and was pampered beyond compare.  She even took great care of animals who never crossed her threshold, such as her crows who enjoyed whatever leftover Janice had from a meal out.

Janice leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire her family and friends for generations to come. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved mom and her husband, and that her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and that.

In loving memory of Janice, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff and volunteers at Ruddy-Shankman Hospice for their exceptional care and support during her final days. Your dedication and kindness provided immense comfort to her and our family during a difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable services you provide and thank you for your unwavering commitment to compassionate care.

In honor of Janice’s memory, in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice Care Ottawa.