Rowlinson, Janice
Janice Rowlinson
It is with deep sadness that the family of Janice Rowlinson announces her passing. She went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side. Jan had eagerly anticipated being reunited with her loving mother, brother, cousin Bev, and special aunt Verna.
Jan was born on June 18th, 1946, in Moose Jaw, SK. She was the firstborn child of Norma and Patrick McLafferty, followed by her brother Barry. Jan grew up making memories with family and friends, especially enjoying the time spent at the family cabin at Buffalo Pound Lake.
She attended King Edward and King George elementary schools and completed high school at the Convent of Sion. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she decided to attend Teachers College in Regina, SK. Her first teaching job was at Mortlach, SK.
It was during Teachers College that she met her future husband, Terry Rowlinson. Terry, who at that time had his application in for the RCMP, would see Jan around Moose Jaw driving her green Morris Minor. One night, he saw her hanging out at the Ambassador and dancing at the Oddfellows Hall, so he decided to cut in to dance with her. Later that night, they shared their first kiss. They have been inseparable ever since. Jan and Terry were engaged on November 19th, 1966, and married at Zion United Church on December 28th, 1968.
As Terry was now in the RCMP, his postings took them all over B.C., including Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, Sparwood, Terrace, Kimberley, and Prince Rupert. They made many lifelong friends in all these places. While in Sparwood, they grew their family with the birth of their son Bret in 1973 and their daughter Heather in 1974.
Jan had many fond memories of the students she taught during the time she lived in the different communities throughout B.C.
Most holidays were spent traveling to Moose Jaw to visit family and spend more time at Jan’s childhood cabin. On one holiday trip to Moose Jaw in 1985, Jan applied for a teaching job and was successful. This was a great opportunity for the family to move back to Terry and Jan’s hometown. Jan, Bret, and Heather moved to Moose Jaw while Terry stayed in Prince Rupert for another six months until he retired after completing twenty years of service with the RCMP.
Once in Moose Jaw, Janice began teaching at William Grayson School, followed by roles as Behavior Consultant, Vice Principal of Empire School, Special Education Consultant, and then finishing her career as Principal of Empire School. She was president of MJSTF and very involved in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Jan completed her Bachelor of Education degree in 1989 at the University of Regina, followed by a PGD in Educational Psychology.
Jan gained a daughter-in-law in 1998 when her son Bret married Nicole Wilvers. In 1996, Jan was blessed with a new role as grandma, first with her granddaughter Josie, followed by her grandson Brady in 2001, her granddaughter Emma in 2005, and grandson Morgan in 2006. She was an amazing, caring grandma, giving unconditional love and support to all four.
Following her retirement, Jan and Terry enjoyed many winters in Palm Springs. They loved traveling together and made memories on cruises to the Hawaiian Islands, the Mexican Riviera, and Catalina Island. They traveled many times to Deadwood, Laughlin, and Las Vegas. Her close bond and shared love of Elvis took Jan and her granddaughter Josie on a bus trip for an unforgettable visit to Graceland in 2007.
Throughout her adult life, Jan was an avid curler. Golfing was another sport she enjoyed with both Terry and her friends.
Jan will be remembered for her kindness, patience, and positivity. Her life was a testament to her unconditional love, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
She was predeceased by her parents, Norma and Patrick McLafferty; brother, Barry McLafferty; aunt and uncle, Verna and Hank Zimmerman; cousin, Bev and Greg McCartney; her mother and father-in-law, Doreen and Alfred Rowlinson; as well as many other family members and friends. Jan will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Terry Rowlinson; son, Bret (Nicole) and their children, Emma (Rhys) and Morgan; daughter, Heather and her children, Josie and Brady; sisters-in-law, June Eckel and Nancy McLafferty; nieces, Debbie (Scott) Byers and Krista Eckel; nephew, Josh McLafferty and family; cousins: Randy Zimmerman, Christa McCartney, and Scott McCartney and families; her special friend, Dianne Newman; as well as many other family and friends.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Zion United Church, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK. Pastor Marvin Seaborg will officiate and interment will take place in Sunset Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
I was so sad to hear of Jan’s passing. May your memories become treasures that you hold in your heart forever. My condolences to all of Jan’s family.
So sorry to hear this. I have fond and delicious memories of dinner club with Jan- lots of laughter and fun! Sending love and care to family and friends.
I am truly sorry for the loss of your wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was such a special person and I am so grateful to have had her in my life. There just never are the right words when we lose someone so special to us. My heart is with you all.
Janice was such a gentle, warm person. I had the privilege of working with her for many years. I am very sorry for your loss.
Terry and Family
I am so sorry to learn of your loss.
Carol and I send our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
Al
Terry, Bret & Nicole, Heather & families. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved wife, mom and grandma. Jan was a gem, a master loving teacher and administrator. She so genuinely cared so much for the students she taught. We enjoyed our get togethers with Jan & Terry so very much, our fun in Palm Springs or here at home. We will miss her so much, and while your loss is profound, we know she will not have health battles no more; so is at peace. The world is a better place because of her; and we are keeping you all in our prayers. RIP Jan…..hugs to you all.
It’s with sadness that I learned of the passing of Jan. Her love, generosity and compassion touched our hearts. I feel blessed that she and I had an opportunity to re engage more recently at a time when my sister and I were attempting to provide care to our aging mother from a distance. Jan’s presence and ongoing involvement was instrumental in our mother’s quality of life to her passing.
Jan and I shared maternal grandparents. While memories of the latter have faded, I could not believe how similar my perception of our grandmother’s appearance and speech patterns had become to Jan.
Jan’s presence will remain in my thoughts.
We are very sorry to hear of Janice’s passing and your family’s loss. Janice was a kind and compassionate person. She brightened our visits to Moose Jaw with her warm smile. We will always cherish the memories we had with her. She will be forever missed.
Dear Terry and Family, Our deepest condolences to you all in this difficult time. When Jan came into a room you knew it for her beautiful smile lit it up. May you hold her memory close as you travel through this dark time. Hugs Fluff. Sincerley Cliff and Doris
I was so sorry to read of Jan’s passing. She was a gem! I had the privilege of teaching with Jan. She was a mentor to many with her love of learning and teaching. She touched the lives of many students, teachers, parents, community members. My sincere condolences to all the family.
I had the honour of teaching with Jan at William Grayson and at Empire. She was a great educator and a truly wonderful woman and friend.
My condolences to her family.
I’m so sorry to learn about Jan’s passing. She was a long time good friend: wise, generous, and kind. She was a master teacher who loved life and her family. We shared many great times together: over tea, on a cruise to Greece, presenting teaching strategies in the province. She made a difference in education. A life well lived!