Phelan, Janice Patricia
Jan died peacefully at her home on September 7th, 2023, surrounded by family after battling cancer.
Survived by her much-loved daughter, Anna (Tim Schuetz) and grandchildren Classic and Damon of Colorado, as well as her sisters Judy Phelan (Ted Sandford) of Collingwood and Pam (Hank Salin) of Kitchener. Preceded in death by her precious daughter Sarah Burke (Rory Bushfield) and parents Ruth and Gerry Phelan.
Jan grew up in Thornhill and after college moved on to Banff, Kenora, Hillsdale, Midland, Squamish and most recently Meaford. She enjoyed skiing at Craigleith, riding horses, gardening, making music, and spending time at the family cottage on Georgian Bay. Jan was a graduate of Ontario College of Art and the Banff School of Fine Arts. She became a renowned ceramic artist.
In her words, “We are all just passing through on this earth and I am thankful for the gifts that sustain my spirit and creativity and allow me to live this life that I have. I give thanks for the uproar of an incoming storm, for the gentle morning mist and the delicate fleeting wildflowers. But mostly I am thankful for the life-dance of my two magnificent and beautiful daughters.”
A celebration will be held at her home in Meaford on Thursday, September 14th from 2-4 p.m.
Sincere thanks to Dr. T. Ellingsen, Dr. J. Hudson and CarePartners staff, specifically David and Carrie for their care and support.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Sarah Burke Foundation www.sarahburkefoundation.com or the Georgian Bay Land Trust gblt.org would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Make a donation in memory of Janice Patricia Phelan
Donations: Sarah Burke Foundation www.sarahburkefoundation.com or the Georgian Bay Land Trust gblt.orgDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Friday, September 8, 2023
Dear Jan, as a young apprentice of yours, I will always cherish your gentle guidance and kind encouragement. You helped me live a life of creativity.
Friday, September 8, 2023
My sincere sympathy to Anna and all the family. Jan was a very supportive parent when I taught at Hillsdale….such a talented and lovely woman. I always enjoyed seeing her pottery and many ceramic works. Cherish the memories..
Friday, September 8, 2023
Well my dear, dear, friend. 34 years of friendship and raising our kids together. I will cherish all the moments and how we solved the problems of the world when I helped you prepare for the One-of-a-Kind show. Squamish presented so many other adventures including climbing the Chief. My family will miss you dearly. We are all walking each other home. Love you
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Jan, you inspired us all to follow our hearts and live life bravely. Thank you for your teachings and inspiration.
Monday, September 11, 2023
I knew Jan from many art shows in the past where we shared laughter and warm conversations.
Sometimes she visited my booth too , and she was always ready to give compliments as well as receive them.
Her work was beautiful and her reputation for a unique and brilliant talent and style was well known and recognized throughout the art world.
Even though Jan was highly acclaimed , she was humble about her accolades and always generously shared techniques and new ideas with fellow ceramic artists.
Jan was warm and had a gentle sense of humour.
She was a bright light in the world of art and will sadly be missed.
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Our experience with you was solely through your art, with several of your beautiful pieces gracing our home. They speak about you to us, revealing your unique gift for expressing beauty through them. Thank you for these gifts which we will continue to treasure over the coming years.
Friday, September 15, 2023
Jan was a wonderful kind neighbour and amazing artist. It was a pleasure knowing Jan. Sending healing prayers. we are so sorry for your loss.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
I am so happy to have known you dear Jan.
I know Sarah had some cupcakes and champagne waiting to celebrate her mother coming home.
To have our kids doing what they loved from such a young age was a gift. And I thank you for sharing your Angel with me.
Have missed you you in BC but I know how much you enjoyed your new home and being back with family.
I am sending hugs to all you have left behind. You had a special mother and grandmother, sister and friend.