Listed in Memorials
McEACHRAN, Janice (née Jackson) McEachran -
July 15, 1939 - July 30, 2024
Janice passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, at Southlake Regional Health Centre in her 85th year.
Janice was the devoted wife of the late William “Bill” McEachran. Loving mother of William James (Marcia), David Michael (Veronica), and the late Tracy Anne (Lloyd Turner). Proud grandmother to Ryan, Shannon (Josh Boehm), Erin (Paul Whalen), Leigh (Brandon McDonald), Brennan (Shannon, nee Blakely), and Nicole.
Beloved great-grandmother to Eoighan, James, Jackson, Kaija, Chloe, Maxsten and Emylia. Cherished sister to James (Jim), Kenneth, David, Nan, Betty and Dorothy. Janice is predeceased by her husband Bill, daughter Tracy, and her siblings Jim, Kenneth, David, Betty and Nan.
Born to Jean (nee Faulds) and James Gemmel Jackson in Glasgow, Scotland, Janice loved growing up in a big family. She was raised in a small unit in a tenement building, and enjoyed playing with her siblings and all the neighbourhood kids. Janice always looked back fondly on her childhood and cherished many happy memories from her upbringing.
Janice emigrated to Canada when she was a teenager, living with her sister Betty in Toronto. It took Janice two attempts to move to Canada permanently. During her first visit, Janice got a job at Simpsons department store by “fibbing” about her age, making herself one year older. She didn’t
want to return home, but her father sent a stern letter warning that she was too young to move.
A year later, Janice returned to Canada and got her job back at Simpsons, noting her current/real age (“funny,” they said, “you were this age last year”). Janice thoroughly enjoyed working at Simpsons.
In Toronto, Janice met fellow Scot, Bill McEachran; Janice shared that she “was quite cute” and Bill was very “handsome.” The pair fell in love and married on April 23, 1960.
Janice called Bill her “Prince Charming” and he adored her in return. They were best friends and truly enjoyed spending time together, whether it be writing crossword puzzles over breakfast, golfing on a sunny day, enjoying dinner at a restaurant or doing something adventurous, like skydiving. The couple also joined forces as business partners, co-founding Penny Fuels Inc. together in 1982.
The couple had three children: William James, David and Tracy. Janice was thrilled to be a mother and nurtured an athletic spirit, creativity and strong work ethic. She placed great value in family and encouraged her kids to look out for each other, always. She loved her children deeply and was so proud of their achievements.
When her children started families of their own, Janice was thrilled to become “Grandma.” She hosted sleepovers, afternoon swims in the pool, crafts and movie nights. Janice took great pride in sewing her grandchildren’s elaborate Halloween costumes every year, and loved to make Christmas magical for the kids.
Janice was a very skilled golfer and proud of her golfing accomplishments . She was a long-time member of Scarborough Golf and Country Club, and also golfed at Saddlebrook Golf and Tennis Resort in Florida, winning club tournaments at each.
Janice had an active social life and was beloved by her friends. For many years, Bill and Janice hosted an annual Christmas Carol party at their home, welcoming all their family and friends. Bill would play the piano and lead guests in singing Christmas carols.
During her senior years, Janice battled dementia. Bill was very devoted to Janice’s care and helped her to live at home as long as possible. In 2017, Janice entered Bradford Valley Care Community. The staff at Bradford Valley are wonderful and took great care of Janice during her stay there. Janice’s family are very grateful to the Bradford Valley team.
Janice’s family are celebrating her life and all of the wonderful memories she made. Janice will be greatly missed by her family, who are comforted in knowing that Janice led a full life filled with adventure, fun and lots of love.
A Celebration of Janice’s Life will be held at W.C. TOWN FUNERAL CHAPEL, 110 Dundas Street East,
Whitby on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 1 – 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and condolences may be expressed online wctownfuneralchapel.com .
