Janet Maybel Kanester

Janet Maybel Kanester was born July 26, 1961, to Clifford and Lillian Kanester and becoming a sister to older brothers James and Clinton. Janet was born with Down's syndrome and while facing some health challenges, she was little slowed by her condition. Her many aunts’ and uncles’ visits were an especially fond part of Janet’s life.

Kamloops and Penticton were early homes to Janet before the family moved to a farm in the BX when Janet was 5. Janet loved being involved in farm life, whether riding on the work trailer to build fences or haul hay, or being the sole name giver to all farm animals, she loved being on the farm. The family always had house and farm cats, and Janet’s passion for cats and their affinity for her was well known throughout her life.

Janet attended My School, which was the only special needs school in Vernon before integration of special needs children into the school system. She worked at Venture Training once she became an adult. Janet had a love of reading and as a child always had a book in her hand. She also loved watching old TV shows. Saturday afternoons always found her watching Stampede Wrestling with her Mom. Janet also loved bowling, dancing and shopping excursions.

Janet's eyesight declined in her 30's culminating in her eventual blindness from kerosis. When Janet's parents could no longer provide day to day care, Janet moved into Twin Cedars Rest Home where the caregivers there provided her the care she needed. Janet loved spending time with her family at events such as birthdays, holidays and outings. Later, with the closing of Twin Cedars, she moved into care at VDACL’s Hawthorne House where she received excellent care from many of the same caregivers.

Janet’s last years were difficult after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. She passed away October 15, 2020, leaving a void in the lives of all who knew her. She is loving remembered by her two brothers James (Anne-Marie) and Clinton (Kathy), her nieces Nadia, Jennifer, Emily and Wynne plus 2 aunts and many cousins.

Her family has much appreciation and gratitude for all of Janet’s caregivers at Twin Cedars and Hawthorn House for their loving care. Janet was always cheerful and kind, facing her challenges with courage and dignity.