Obituary of Janice Louise Seeley

The family of Janice Louise Seeley sadly announces her peaceful passing on December 9, 2025, after a short-term battle with cancer, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. She was born on April 26, 1940, in Washington State to the late Minnie and Fredrick Frese.

In 1963, Janice married the late Russell Seeley, and together they built a life that took them through several cities and provinces as they followed Russell’s career with the RCMP. By the late 1970’s, they landed back in Rusagonis, bought a farmhouse, and turned it into a full-blown home base complete with quilts, plants, gardens and enough family history binders to qualify as a museum. And don’t forget about the cows and hundreds of chickens that followed her around everywhere she went.

Janice spent years with Stats Canada collecting census information which, in hindsight, may have just been the gateway drug to her true passion: genealogy. Once she discovered she could legally ask people personal questions and then alphabetize the answers, she was unstoppable. She charted the family histories of her children and grandchildren with the same intensity most people reserve for crime documentaries.

A talented quilter and crocheter, Janice cherished the time she spent with her close friends in their crocheting group, called “The Happy Hookers”. These women became an important source of joy and support throughout the last few years and months of her life. Every year, the ladies created handmade Christmas cards and sent them overseas to our military, signed with that iconic name which surely made a few soldiers smile (or scratch their heads).

Anyone who visited Janice’s home knew of her amazing green thumb. From her indoor plants to flourishing gardens, raised vegetable beds, and the most recent pride and joy- her brand new greenhouse. She created an oasis that she enjoyed alongside her faithful companion Bear that brought comfort and solitude.

Janice will be deeply missed by her daughter, Yvette (Les Jones), and her grandchildren, Liam Seeley, Harrison Seeley, Michael Jones, and Victoria Jones. In addition to her parents and her beloved husband Russell, she was predeceased by her son, Gregg (Jennifer Cattani-Seeley).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, LPNs, custodians, and all support staff on the palliative care ward at the DECRH. Your compassion, dedication, and expertise did not go unnoticed.

In keeping with Janice’s request, there will not be a visitation or service. For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to the SPCA.