Janice Ashworth

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Janice Ashworth on May 4th at the age of 52 years.

Janice was born in Red Deer, to James and Helen Ashworth, and grew up just outside of town in an idyllic setting on her family acreage. Janice absolutely loved growing up with her younger brother Derrick on the acreage. In her youth, Janice enjoyed dance, including highland, jazz, and tap. She was a gifted pianist, who could play by ear. And she was also a talented track star in high school. Janice always had a special affinity for animals; raising cats, dogs, horses, and even hawks growing up.

After high school, Janice moved to Edmonton to train racing horses and spent many happy hours at the track. Following her time in Edmonton Janice relocated to Calgary, and got a job working as a receptionist at Jencor Mortgage. It was there that she met her best friend, Jennifer (Jennifer Corporation – Jencor) and her friend and mentor Croft. Janice worked her way up from reception and became a mortgage broker which she thrived at for most of her adult life.

For a time, Janice took a break from the mortgage business and moved to Vancouver Island where she built an amusement park called Funtasia, which brought joy to countless children and families, and to Janice herself. Gardening was also a favorite pastime, and she took great pride in both her incredible flower gardens as well as her extensive veggie gardens over the years. Janice inherited a love of billiards from her dad and joined recreational leagues in Calgary and formed many lasting friendships within the pool community.

She enjoyed weekly games, traveling to pool matches, and playing competitively in Las Vegas each May. Janice had a big heart and genuinely cared about the wellbeing of others. She found her mortgage career very fulfilling, helping hundreds of individuals and families attain home ownership over the years.She could often be found making huge pots of soup and dozens of sandwiches to deliver to the homeless in downtown Calgary, or handing out warm blankets (leg warmers) and coats directly to people in need. Janice was bright and boisterous and lit up a room when she entered. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Janice is survived by her Mother, Helen Ashworth-Kretzul; her brother, Derrick Ashworth (and wife Julie and son’s Dylan and Oliver); 3 half siblings and numerous cousins. She will especially be missed by her cousin Raena Gartner who she was incredibly close with in her adult years.

Janice was predeceased by her Grandparents, Evelyn and Dennis Ashworth and Peter and Anne Sememchuk; father, James Ashworth; and her uncle Allan Ashworth who she had a special relationship with; her uncles Roy Semenchuk and Ron Semenchuk; cousins Kesa and Jody Semenchuk.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in honor of Janice at Pierson’s Funeral Service ( 4121-17th Avenue S.E Calgary, AB) on May 22nd at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local food bank.