ADKINS: Janice Nan (Neil) of Stratford, ON, formerly of Winnipeg, MB * Updated *
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On August 11, 2025 @ 10:05 AM In Exeter,Obituary | 22 Comments
April 9, 1937 – July 9, 2025
Passed away peacefully at Clinton Public Hospital on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Janice Nan Adkins of McCarthy Place, Stratford in her 89th year. Beloved wife and best friend of Stewart Adkins who predeceased her on February 18, 2022. They spent 65 wonderful years together.
Special Aunt to Heather (late David) Patience, Donald (Rose) Neil, Dianne (Bill) Dietrich, Bruce (Brett) McLennan-Adkins, Audrey (Peter) Dakin, and Sueanne Adkins and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Ansley and Margaret Neil and her step brothers Len (Elsie) Powell, Rhea (Beth) Neil, Alton (Lou) Neil.
Janice will be greatly missed by her ‘second’ family Al and Audrey Lutomsky of Stonewall, MB and their children Sherilee (David) Mackinder and Terry (Sabrina) Lutomsky.
Janice was born and spent her early years on the family farm near Clandeboye, ON. She then moved to Exeter, ON in 1945 to attend school. During her early school years Janice met Shirley Harness and they became life-long friends and always stayed in contact. Janice’s early working years were in the administrative offices at the RCAF Station Centralia. Janice met Stewart during this time at a dance in Bayfield ON and they were married on June 8, 1957.
After her marriage, Janice spent the next 25 years living on RCAF bases in Moose Jaw, SK, North Bay, ON, Winnipeg, MB and Marville, France. During this time Janice began her career as a teller with the Bank of Montreal. Janice thoroughly enjoyed her banking career but she decided to retire early when Stewart retired to enable them to travel, pursue their leisurely activities and spend more time with family and friends.
Janice had many interests and activities which kept her very busy. She was an avid sewer, making many of her own clothes, she did needlepoint, knitting and crafts. She started knitting for the Winnipeg Cheer Board and eventually became a volunteer in their Christmas Hamper program. She was the supplier of ‘scubbies’ for family and friends. Janice’s pride and joy were her home and her gardens, and she always took interest in the gardens of her friends and family.
Sports played an active part in Janice’s life. She developed a love of curling in her early military life and participated in both mixed and ladies’ leagues for many years. In the summer months, golf replaced curling as the go-to sport. She joined the ladies league at the Bel Acre Golf Club, Winnipeg where she not only enjoyed the sport but also the friendships she formed with her fellow team members. When Janice no longer curled, bowling was the next sport for her to enjoy and maintain important friendships. Janice was a strong supporter of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets and she rarely missed a televised game.
Janice also loved to shop and enjoyed finding bargain items and collectibles. She could be found with her friend Gwen Miguel at local flea markets or antique shops looking for that unique treasure.
Janice was a kind, compassionate, and accepting soul who rarely had a harsh word for anyone. While she might offer a bit of friendly advice now and then, she never interfered with the choices others made. Though she sometimes wished she had pursued further education, Janice’s travels and life experiences shaped her into a thoughtful, intelligent woman with a practical way of thinking. She had a deep love for the news, kept up with current events, and followed politics closely. Above all, Janice cared deeply about her family and friends—always interested in their lives, always asking after them with genuine curiosity, but never in an intrusive way.
The family would like to thank the Physicians, Nurses and Staff at Clinton Public Hospital for the compassion and care shown to Janice over the past 8 weeks. We would also like to thank the staff at McCarthy Place, Stratford for the kindness shown to Janice this past year. She loved the conversations she would have with the staff there.
The family would also like to thank her amazing friends and neighbours in Winnipeg for the help and support shown to Janice over the past few years which enabled her to live in her own home until it was time for her to return to Ontario to be closer to family.
A memorial service will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Saturday, August 16th at 11 AM. Stream the service live, or view at your convivence by visiting www.facebook.com/Haskettfh. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service with inurnment beside her beloved Stewart will be held in the fall at the Staffa Cemetery.
Donations to Clinton Public Hospital Foundation, Canadian Lung Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “ADKINS: Janice Nan (Neil) of Stratford, ON, formerly of Winnipeg, MB * Updated *”
Saying goodbye to a very very dear friend and part of our extended family has been so difficult. Auntie Jan, you have been in my life since before I even made an appearance in this world., toasting my safe arrival with my Dad and Uncle Stu. You have shared some of the most precious and memorable life moments, and so many wonderful Christmas’s together through the years. You toasted me at my wedding, and just jumped in to do anything that needed to be done, no matter the task. You were such a huge part in making the day so very very special, and I never did say thank you, so now I just want to say Thank You for all you did. I thought I would be prepared for the day when you left us, but I was not. I am no where near prepared to say good bye and no longer have you in my life, but today I realized, your passing is not the end. You will always be a part of my life, I have all of these amazing memories and I will treasure all of them. We are so fortunate that you were a part of our life, and will love you always Auntie Jan. Bruce, we are so very sorry for your loss. To all of your family, you have our deepest and heart felt sympathy.
Dianne, Audrey, Susanne and families:
So sorry to read of your special Aunt’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Cherish all the wonderful memories. Hugs Joan
Sueanne
I had no idea Janice was living so close to Exeter. Would have been lovely to connect.
She lived across from us at the “North End” as we called it.
My condolences to you . I know she was very special to you.
Bonnie (Hogarth) Sitter
To all of Janice’s families and friends
So sorry to learn of Janice’s passing. Always enjoyed her visits with Stewart, especially when we used to go to the Colonial Hotel for wings. My sister was named after her, as she and her parents lived down the street from our former store.
Our condolences to all
Gone, but never forgotten
We shall cherish many wonderful memories
Our most sincere condolences
Al & Audrey Lutomsky and family
My sincere sympathy to the Adkins families and Jan’s friends.
Jan is now reunited with her beloved husband, Stewart, and family.
Jan was a very special person, and I am very lucky and grateful to have known her.
In the short time I got to know Jan, her kindred spirit is what grew us together. Since her move to Stratford, we kept in touch with phone calls, texts, and lots of laughs.
She told me in one conversation that of all her travels, Newfoundland was her favorite. Well, here is a saying for you, Jan. Godspeed, my friend.
Julia from Winnipeg
Sueanne, Audrey, Bruce , Dianne and families, heartfelt condolences on your Aunt’s passing. Remember your wonderful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers. George and Sue(Insley) Wilson
Dear Sueanne…so sorry to hear that your aunt Janice has passed away . Was very grateful to her for making all the scrubbies for gift shop…they were a big hit. Just know I’m thinking of you at this time. ❤️Eleanor
Sueanne and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how important Aunt Jan was to you.
Condolences.
Pam Pal
Our sympathy on the passing Aunt Janice. I know you all will miss her as she had a special place in your heart.
Thinking of you and your family, Sueanne. I remember how much you enjoyed your visits to Winnipeg…lots of good memories to hang on to. Hugs.
Sending love and prayers to Janice’s family and friends.
Rest in peace 🙏🏻
To all of those who loved Janice we send condolences.
Janice(as I always called her)was a good friend back at Exeter Public School…. Wasn’t that a day or two ago! She was one of the kind girls that I remember from back then. I would see her when she would come to Exeter from the west for a holiday, and we would have a grand old chat.
Such a lovely lady she turned out to be! She will be missed by many!
RIP Janice.
Alice MacLean
Dearest Sueanne, Bruce, family, and friends. My heart grieves with you at the loss of our gracious classy & fun Janice Nan.
After 80 years of close friendship, many miles apart, I’ll deeply miss out chats, emails, and letters. Especially enjoyed our in-person visits. Jan and I were storytellers/memory sharers.
She & I still had great fun like schoolgirls in Exeter.
Our lives were so different, yet that close friendship bond continues
Be at peace and God be with you precious friend Jan.
Love, Shirley Harness, Vancouver
Don and Rose:
Sorry for your loss of Janice.
Dianne and Bill
So sorry to hear about your Aunt Janice passing. I know she meant a lot to you. Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy.
My sympathy to all of you in the loss of your “Aunt Janice”. Her name was often mentioned in conversation with my Mom after a visit from Sueanne. Her stay here in Ontario was short and it’s unfortunate she didn’t get to do a lot of the things she had hoped!
Bruce & Sueanne. our most heart felt condolences in the passing of Janice, your aunt. Jan was a very loved person as part of our family. We have special memories of Jan and Stewart. May she rest in peace
now that she is with Stewart. June Cathy& Bob Cooke
The Adkins family,
Terribly sorry to hear about Aunt Jan. She was a very kind, lovely lady who was a pleasure to speak with when she visited back home. Her life was filled with many adventures and memories that she shared. She will be missed.
Sueanne,
I’m so sorry to hearing of your Aunt’s passing. I am thinking of you and your entire family. Sending you gentle hugs.
Very sorry for your lose, have great memories of our golfing days our bowling afternoons our dinners after to talk about the good old days. Rest in peace Jan. Love to family . Evelyne
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Sueanne
So sorry to hear of your aunts passing. Our sympathies to you and the entire Adkins family.💕
Kendra & Gord Craig