JANET ELAINE MILDREN (published on February 25, 2009)
| JANET ELAINE MILDREN Following a lengthy illness, Janet Elaine Mildren came to the end of her earthly life on February 20, 2009. Jan was born in Winnipeg on June 30, 1955. During her school years, she joined the Navy League Wrennette Corps Centennial , eventually becoming Chief Petty Officer. With the rank of Lieutenant (Navy), she also attended two summer camps at HMCS Quadra , instructing medical assistants. At her second camp she received an award for best training programme. Jan's life-long love of music began early, and was nurtured through her membership in church choirs, school choirs and musicals, the Winnipeg Girls Choir and the Kelvin Grad Choir. Following graduation from Kelvin High School, Jan attended the University of Manitoba where she earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree in 1977 and her Certificate in Education in 1979. In 1980, Jan married Hugh Walker and moved to Canada's west coast where she worked as a public health nurse. In her spare time, she pursued her musical interests with several musical theatre groups in Victoria which included performing in pantomime and Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Jan also performed with a 1950s vocal quartette - Doc and the Doo Wops - which included professional engagements at Expo 86 in Vancouver and a tour of the Canadian Arctic. After returning to Manitoba, Jan became the proud mother of Scott - the joy and center of her life. The impact she had - and still has - on his life is monumental. He loves her more than he could ever express, and will keep her compassion, trust and love with him forever. Following the end of her first marriage, Jan married Fred Cross in 1996. Her life revolved around her family. Jan celebrated birthdays and Christmas with special enthusiasm. Jan appreciated all living things. She loved to work in her garden. The neighbourhood song birds (and only slightly less welcome squirrels) crowded around her feeders. Jan adored her collie dogs, and loved taking them for lengthy walks in all seasons. She enjoyed travel and delighted in such adventures as snorkelling in tropical waters, visiting the wonders of the ancient world, or quietly relaxing at family cottages on Lake Winnipeg. At home, Jan loved to spend quiet time with needle and thread. She was skilled in several types of needlework. Jan was perhaps best known to many through her performances in the annual productions of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Winnipeg. In addition to her appearances in the chorus, she frequently played lead roles as the comic contralto. Her rich contralto voice, complimented by her flawless diction and splendid sense of comedy, delighted her audiences. Over the years, Jan also performed in a pantomime as the principal boy in the Shoestring Players production of Cinderella , and with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in the choruses of Messiah , The Sea Symphony , and Verdi's Requiem , and as a chorus member and soloist in the Symphony's four Gilbert and Sullivan concerts. She was a devoted member of the St. Andrew's River Heights United Church Senior Choir and Handbell Choir, and a member of the womens' singing group, Fair Warning . Jan will be deeply missed by her many friends and by her parents - Gladys and Walter Mildren, her husband - Fred Cross, her son - Scott Walker, and her sister - Gail Mildren (John Connor). During her struggle with cancer, Jan and her family were very appreciative of the help and comfort she received from her doctors and nurses at Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital, CancerCare Manitoba, WRHA Palliative Care Program and the Riverview Health Centre. A memorial service for Jan will be held at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church at the corner of Oak Street and Kingsway Avenue on Saturday, February 28 at 11:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew's River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3P7, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Winnipeg, 375 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2K2 or any charity of the donor's choosing. NEIL BARDAL INC. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca |
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