Obituary of Janice (Jan) Lee TOMECEK (nee Leroux)

October 14, 1959 – Devon, Alberta
February 8, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Tomecek, a beautiful wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. Jan passed away peacefully in her home with her loving husband, Darren Tomecek, at her side on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the age of 60 years.
 
Jan was born on October 14, 1959 in Devon, AB. She worked in the energy resource sector and later in the airline industry as a timekeeper/accountant until it made sense for her to stay home and raise their four children.  
 
While at home, Jan took great pride in volunteering at the schools and was actively involved with many of her children’s sporting endeavors, often leading the necessary fundraising efforts. From organizing school carnivals to managing a community basketball association, her contributions to the community left her with a great sense of fulfillment.
 
Jan loved to travel, whether it was to sunny locations with her girl friends, camping trips with her family and close friends, or those special trips that she and Darren took together. Family events, big and small, were important to her and she was the ultimate organizer. Jan cherished every moment she spent with her family. They meant the world to her.
 
Three years ago, Jan was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. As a non-smoker, she became a passionate advocate in bringing awareness to this disease and the stigma attached to it. Her constant message was, “If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer.”
 
Jan will be remembered as a vibrant soul who you couldn’t help but notice when she was in the room. She was an organizer in so many ways, and quite simply, a catalyst for fun. Jan touched many lives. Her passing will leave a void that cannot be filled. 

Jan will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her husband Darren, children, Sean (Syenna), Kyle, David (Reet), and Lyndsey; cherished grandchildren, Peyton and Carter. She is also survived by her mother Frances Leroux, siblings, Doug (Janice) Leroux, Glenn Leroux, and Sheila Leroux (Doug  Bobrosky); and many other loving family members and friends. Jan was predeceased by her father Richard Leroux. 

A Celebration of Jan’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. At Jan’s Request please wear something colourful. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the LUNGevity Foundation, lungevity.org, or to the Lung Initiative at the University of Calgary, netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/Unmasking. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Janice’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Jan Tomecek, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.