Obituary of Elenora Janzen (nee Dyck)

July 4, 1936 - Osler, Saskatchewan

November 8, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Elenora “Nora” Janzen (nee Dyck), beloved wife of William (Bill) Janzen, of Calgary AB passed away peacefully on November 8, 2022, following some ongoing health issues. Nora was born on July 4, 1936, on the family farm near Osler, SK, daughter to Bernhard and Helena Dyck.

Nora fondly remembered growing up on the farm, working hard but always having time for fun. Early in her life, it became clear that Nora was a very creative person. Her first love in life was singing. She began singing in church at a young age and at music festivals while in public school. While attending Rosthern Junior College, she was a member of the Mendelssohn Choir. Following college days, she sang at numerous weddings and in churches wherever she lived.  She particularly enjoyed singing together with her cousin Bill Kruger and with Bill’s sister Edna (Kruger) Thiessen at the piano. Later in her life, she was a member of the Richard Eaton Singers (Edmonton, AB) and the St. Mary’s University Choir (Calgary, AB).

Throughout her life, Nora made a comfortable home for her family.  She did what many mothers of her time did: sewing clothes for herself and the girls, gardening, cooking meals for the family and keeping the house spotless. Once her daughters were older, she was interested in working outside the home, trying various retail jobs but spending most of her working life at the Garden Centre. This was work she truly enjoyed and excelled at. Nora and Bill lived in numerous communities, including Laird, SK, La Crete, Peace River, Camrose and finally Calgary, AB, as well as in Mexico with MCC on voluntary service. Nora enjoyed getting to know people and made good friends wherever she lived.

Nora was also up for adventure. Bill would plan the trips and Nora would organize and pack whatever was needed. These travels took her to many places throughout Canada, USA, Europe, Mexico, South America, Ukraine and the Middle East. Two of her favourite trips were a choir study tour of the Middle East, and then, at 83, she was able to visit Newfoundland and Labrador. It was here that she climbed to the top of the second highest lighthouse in North America.

Nora is survived by her husband of 66 years, William (Bill) Janzen; her daughters, Sheryl Janzen and Sharlene Bartel (Paul); and her grandsons, Mason Bartel and Reece Bartel.  She is also survived by her sister Helen (Dyck) Janzen, and nieces and nephews. Nora was predeceased by her parents, Bernhard Dyck, Helena (Penner) Dyck; her sisters, Kay (Dyck) Funk, Anne (Dyck) Janzen, and Elfrieda (Dyck) Enns; and brother Peter Dyck.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Food Bank, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.com or MCC Alberta, 210, 2946 - 32 St NE Calgary, AB T1Y 6J7, (403) 275-6935,  https://donate.mcccanada.ca/.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Nora's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Elenora Janzen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to View Elenora Janzen's Memorial Card

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event

(the event start time on our video player has automatically adjusted to match your time zone)

Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service. 

Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.

We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.