Passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 surrounded by family. Janis leaves behind her loving daughters; Laurie, Lisa and Yama. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren; Ilya, Misha, Yasha, Nadia, Carmel, Mona, Annice and Jason, as well as by her sisters; Elizabeth Rose, Alexandra Schioler and Judy Speagle.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral service on Friday, February 16th, 2024 at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON) at 10am followed by the burial and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in Janis’ memory.
Digital Guestbook
Kim Smiley
Lucie de Launière
Belle et si précieuse 'famille Zrudlo, c'est avec un coeur rempli d'amour et de douceur que je vous offre mes plus sincères condoléances... Janis rayonnait déjà si généreusement et si gracieusement en ce monde mortel, de quel éclat brille-t-elle maintenant et pour toujours, quelle est l'immensité de son bonheur, de la joie de ses nombreuses retrouvailles , il me plaît d'en rêver... Je prie pour l'évolution de son âme, je prie aussi pour tous ceux qu'elle a aimés et accompagnés, et je lui demande tout autant de prier pour nous. 🙏✨🌟
Greg Newing
Janis was a truly profound and radiant soul and a light for the Gatineau community. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know her during her time in this world, and have no doubt she will continue to have an uplifting impact on all of our lives.
Many prayers and much love for Janice and the whole family.
Deborah Chaplin
My condolences to the Zrudlo family and all the Friends who had the pleasure of knowing Janis. Her warmth and dedication to the Gatineau sector and the world at large will be greatly missed
Ruth Vander Stelt
My deepest condolences to Janis' family and many friends.
I met Janny and Leo in Québec City, where i became a Baha'i. We had many lovely times in their row house getting to know the Baha'i Faith and at times being very silly indeed with Bill Hatcher and the gang.
Truly lovely memories, which live on strong and true.
Til we meet again, Janny!
Ilya Zrudlo
Over the past few years, as the trove of her great grandchildren accumulated, my grandmother became increasingly known as “GG” (great grandma). In fact, this trove increased just a few weeks ago with the birth of my brother’s third. If the number of one’s descendants is a measure of success, GG was certainly successful, a great Queen of an empire of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
GG called me a few weeks ago to wish me happy birthday. It was not yet my birthday, but she knew that I would be out of the country on the actual day this year so she called me a few days early so she could catch me. This was a typical expression of her thoughtfulness, attention, care, and love. It was the last time I spoke to her, at least in this world.
She would call me or at least send me a message nearly every year to wish me happy birthday, without fail. She took great interest, pride, and joy in the accomplishments of her grandchildren, following their developments whether they were living nearby or far away. We, her grandchildren, felt this great love of hers; it enveloped us, and it lifted us up, encouraging us along.
No doubt she was naturally loving, but her love was surely magnified by her great love for God, for her love of the new Faith that she embraced when she was much younger, many decades ago. Her dedication to the Baha’i community and her record of service was nothing short of exemplary. I can only hope to be as unremittingly committed as she was, for so many decades. I have no doubt that she was welcomed in the next world as a tough veteran of the Cause, and she is now ready to assist us from above, waiting for us to call on her assistance, to take steps forward which she can support.
GG was a particularly good exemplar of one of Baha’u’llah’s important counsels: to have “a face wreathed in smiles and a radiant countenance”. She was always radiant and smiling. She had a conspiratorial kind of humour. She would often lean in with a kind of confession, or as if she was bringing you into her confidence, and her laugh was pure.
I was unable to see her before she passed, as I was out of the country. But as a friend told me to console me, now I can speak to her directly, without any need for technology or even physical closeness.
Leslie Rowdon
Very sad news. I have wonderful memories of this gentil and loving lady from my teenage years in Quebec City. My sympathy to her daughters and family.
Robert Laliberté
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Janis était comme un magnifique soleil, pleine de lumière et de chaleur. Également un grand coeur en or pur.
David Apostle
What a wonderful person, Janis--and her late husband, Leo! I am forever grateful for their welcoming kindness, generosity, warmth, humor and guidance during my early days in Quebec and after. To their beautiful children and families, my sympathies.
Julie Goldring
My blessings and love to the Zrudlo family and all who knew Janis. I did not have the pleasure to ever meet her in person, but knew of her beautiful soul through many people. May she rest forever in peace.
Beautiful Janice! I will miss seeing her loving face.