JANA CHANTELLE POLUPSKI
September 6th, 1973 – October 7th, 2025
It is with deep love and sorrow that the family of Jana Chantelle Polupski (née: Dodd) announces her passing, surrounded by the love of her family, on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. Jana was born in Moose Jaw, SK on September 6th, 1973, to proud parents, Doreen and O’Dell Dodd. She joyously took on the role of big sister with the arrival of Jeff in March of 1976.
Jana’s early childhood was filled with loving memories of working in the yard with her father, reading nighttime stories and baking with mom, knitting with grandma, and listening to the stories told to her by grandpa. Special memories were made establishing the family cabin at Buffalo Pound Lake where many summers were spent, enjoying “Lake Life”.
Jana attended school at Westmount, Empire and Riverview, where she excelled in all aspects of school life, both academically and socially. As a dedicated student and sportswoman, she was the recipient of many awards. She was involved in softball, curling, golf and most importantly, basketball. She was a valued participant which led her to spend many hours throughout her life as a player, a mentor, a coach, or as a proud parent cheering on her children.
During high school, Jana volunteered her time with students who needed extra help with their daily activities. Already, she was a teacher at heart! In 1995, she earned her Bachelor of Education and in later years completed her Certificate in Extended Studies in Inclusive Education. She had a distinguished and rewarding career teaching in Moose Jaw. As an enthusiastic tutor, teacher, mentor, coach, and role-model, Jana has positively impacted many students and their parents, through her sincere dedication and caring ways. Her deep compassion, unwavering belief, and inspirational mentorship went a long way in helping each of her students feel known, valued, and capable.
In 1995 Jana married the love of her life, Larry Polupski. As well as updating her title to “Mrs”, Jana became a bonus mom and source of unconditional love to Larry’s sons Brock (now deceased) and Ryan. The Polupski household was blessed with the additions of sons Tyler (1996), Cody (1998), and Evan (2003). Her gentle and easy-going nature made being a wife and mom easy. Many happy traditions were created playing board games, carving jack-o-lanterns, colouring easter eggs, making gingerbread houses, and spending quality time together. Now seeing their adult sons as fine gentlemen who are living fulfilling and purposeful lives has given Jana and Larry much satisfaction and pride. The addition of grandchildren Brooke, Bella, and Brodie brought even more joy and happiness to Jana and Larry and the uncles.
Although Jana was a happy gal wherever she was, her true “Happy” place over the past eighteen years has centered around spending time with Larry and the boys as they have tirelessly worked together to establish their cabin at Serenity Cove. Life in the great outdoors and surrounded by a multitude of special friends who have become family, gave her much pleasure. With a golf course just outside the door, Jana enjoyed golfing with Larry and the boys. Casual rounds of golf and tournaments with friends, get-togethers, potluck suppers, and bonfires all contributed to Jana’s “Happy” place.
Although our hearts are shattered with the loss of our loving and vibrant wife, mom, daughter, and sister, we are so very grateful for the time we had together. Jana has taught us so much about life and love, about looking after others, and also each other, and about being dedicated, caring, and true in all that you do. Above all, she has shown each of us to face the challenges in life with courage, with positivity, and with grace. Her love will live on in each of us, and it is this love that will be our beacon and our true north in all of our days.
She was predeceased by her grandparents: James and Evelyn Gibson, Cecil and Marguerite Dodd; parents-in-law: Peter and Irene Polupski; son, Brock; aunts, Rita Lloyd and Elaine McLean; uncles: Lorne Dodd, Armand (Dianne) Dodd and Bill Gibson (Louise); and brother-in-law, Les Matthews. Jana is survived by her loving family – her husband of thirty years, Larry; sons: Evan (Sidney), Cody, Tyler, Ryan (Nicole); grandchildren: Brooke, Bella, and Brodie; parents, Doreen and O’Dell Dodd; brother, Jeff (Michelle); nephews: Quinn and Gage (Rae & Jalen), brother-in-law, Lorne Polupski and daughter Jillian; sister-in-law, Pat Matthews & family; brother-in-law: Ken Polupski and family; aunts and uncles: Ruby (Roy) Sayers, Liz (Tom) Steen, and Rae Lloyd; and treasured cousins.
A Celebration of Jana’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 18th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place in Moose Jaw, SK. Pastor Marvin Seaborg will officiate and a private family interment will take place in Moose Jaw Funeral Home Columbarium. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Jana’s name may be made to Albert E. Peacock Collegiate for the Jana Polupski Scholarship for a student(s) who have overcome adversity or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our hearts go out to all of you. No words can express what we feel for your family. Remember that we are only a phone call away.
Our hearts go out to you all.words cannot express what we are feeling for your family. Remember that we are only a phone call away.
So sorry to hear of Jana’s, passing.
Cherish all of those fond memories.
Sandra and Paul
Rest In Peace to Mrs. Jana Polupski, as she will be missed. She had departed on October 7, which is the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary in the Catholic Church. But I had seen her, when I was in high school. She had called me “sweet pea” and I told her about stories and other ideas. I knew about her son, Tyler when he was sitting next to me in grade 9 science and I was told by my dad, do you know about Mrs. Polupski and I said yes and why, because she is suffering from cancer and moments later she had passed away on Tuesday. We will remember her in our hearts that she is with the Lord and we do it in love for her.
Larry, condolences to you and your family. We are deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your wife Jana. We actually knew Jana years ago through her mom who was at Alexandra school in the 90’s. We also knew her uncle Lorne, who was a neighbor of ours. Take time for yourself to heal.
Larry and boys. My heart goes out to you in this sad time. Life can be so unfair at times. I also didn’t realize you lost a son earlier
Hugs to everyone
DOREEN AND ODELL AND FAMILY
SENDING SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AT THIS SAD TIME.
SHE WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY.
Sending our deepest sympathies to the Polupski and Dodd families feeling the loss of Jana. Treasure and continue to share the many great memories that you all have. RIP Jana
Larry, Mr. & Mrs. Dodd & family,
My sincere condolences with the loss of a beautiful lady!
I hope the cherished memories you made with Jana will help mend your broken hearts!
Rest in peace Jana
Condolences to all of Jana’s family, enjoyed many fun times at Serenity Cove.She will be missed
Very blessed to know this wonderful lady who I looked up to as another mom❤️.. my heart is with the whole family during this time
Deepest condolences to Jana’s family. I had the pleasure of teaching with Jana at John Chisholm. Jana was remarkable in her ability to reach and teach some of the most challenging students. She was highly respected by all – students, parents and fellow educators. She will be missed by all.
Sending all our love and healing light to you all
So very sad to hear about the passing of Jana. My condolences to all her family.
I am so saddened to hear this. Jana lit up every room she was in. She was an incredible person and someone I looked up to with great awe as I grew up. My deepest and most sincere condolences.
Jeff and family, so sorry to hear about your sister’s passing. May your memories provide comfort.
Our deepest condolences to you Larry and your family. Jana was a one of kind beauty who we will all miss dearly. We hope you can find some peace in the memories of the special times that you had with her.
Wonderful words to describe Jana’s genuine, friendly personality that positively affected all that met her. Sincere condolences to all that loved her. She was a special lady.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jana’s passing. She was an amazing lady. Sending my deepest sympathies to all of the family, Larry and the boys, Jeff and family, Aunty Doreen and Uncle O’Dell. Hugs and love to you all as you navigate this incredible difficult time.
My deepest condolences to Jana’s family.
I will never forget the memories with Jana when we played ringette and fastball.
Larry, I am so very sorry about the loss of Jana. She was an absolute joy to work with at John Chisholm.
Larry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. As you miss Jana’s physical presence may the memories you have of Jana give you comfort even if there are tears at the same time.
Doreen and O’Dell, I’m so sorry for this great loss — and encouraged to hear what a treasure Jana was in so many lives. God give you His peace.
Sending our deepest sympathies to Larry and family. Jana was such an amazing person and we have many memories made during basketball games and tournaments ❤️
Larry, Lorne and families, so sad to hear this news. Jana was always a wonderful gal to be around. My thoughts are with you all.
To the large loving family of Jana’s,
Jana had so much love to give to you all . Somehow as she was there for you all always, she loved all of us around her unconditionally as well. It is a marvel how one woman has made this impact.
Much love to you all!
Dear Odell and Family. My heart goes out to you all on Jana’s passing. She was a great person with a huge heart!