November 14, 1953 - March 2, 2021
Janelle Arlene Erickson was born in Fredericton NB, November 14, 1953, to Lillian and John Stewart. Janelle spent her formative years living at the Atlantic Christian Training Centre in Tatamagouche, NS, and met interesting people from across Eastern Canada and the Caribbean. She moved to Gloucester, MA, in 1965, where she met Neal, the love of her life, at Gloucester High. Janelle and Neal were married April 26, 1975.
She graduated from Simon Fraser University in May, 1975, and moved to Hazelton, where she began her teaching career that lasted until June, 2014. She was a master teacher who taught at all three elementary schools in the Hazeltons, was passionate about reading and developing literacy skills, and enjoyed mentoring and sharing her expertise with her colleagues.
Janelle was active in the community throughout her life as a member of Mountainview United Church, L.O.G.S., the Upper Skeena Sponsorship Group, and the Hazelton and District Library Board.
She enjoyed reading, quilting, knitting, sewing, camping, nature, traveling, and cuddling with her cats. Janelle was dedicated to her friends and had friendships that lasted over 50 years. Most important to Janelle was her family, and she was a fiercely loyal and devoted mother who was always there for her children. Janelle cherished being Nana to her three grandsons who all adored her.
Janelle will continue to be loved and celebrated by her husband, Neal; son Jonathan and his wife Helen; daughter Kristin and her husband Tom; her grandsons Ethan, Emmitt, and Andrew; and brothers Graeme Stewart and Larry Stewart.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a contribution to the Gift of Literacy Program (L.O.G.S) or to Doctors Without Borders.