We Remember
JOHNSON, Janet “Jani”
March 29, 1955 — July 4, 2021
UPDATE: In honour of Jani, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 2-5 PM at the Okanagan Mission Activity Centre at 4398 Hobson Road, Kelowna, BC.
Jani Johnson, born in Toronto, ON March 29, 1955, passed away at her home in Kelowna, BC on July 4, 2021. She had family by her side, while she was in the loving arms of her wife of 44 years, Lori Burns.
After being diagnosed just over 2 years ago with a very rare brain tumour, Jani managed to live a fulfilling life on her terms right up until the end. We would like to thank all the doctors and other healthcare professionals who were absolutely incredible and kind during this time. Thank you to the generous friends who have been there for both Jani and Lori in their time of need.
Jani’s indomitable spirit as a feisty, red-headed Aries shone through her entire life journey. She was a kind and free spirited person who loved nothing more than instigating an adventure or misadventure.
Jani was a successful Kelowna entrepreneur who started Tigerlily fashions with her partner Lori. She was a board member of the downtown Kelowna Business Association and past president of the Central Okanagan dog agility club. Jani had a wide circle of friends who enjoyed her unique and fun-loving spirit.
Jani is survived by her wife Lori Burns; her loving siblings: Catherine Wood (David), Heather Johnson (Ken), Kim Walker (Gordon), and Steve Johnson (Katherine); as well as her beloved shelties Morocco & Cuba. She will be missed by many and remembered by all who knew her.
“Don’t be sad that I died, be happy that I lived”
Celebration of Life to follow.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Nothing Gold Can Stay
BY ROBERT FROST
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
Service
Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 2-5 PM
Location
Okanagan Mission Activity Centre
Sending my most sincere condolences to you Lori 💔I was So Very Sad to hear this news. My heart breaks for you. ❤️
Never thought we would be saying goodbye to our good friend Jani. Our lives were so blessed with her humour and zest for life . The stories of her and Lores journeys throughout her lifetime are made for the movies. I’ve been so proud to call you my friend, love ya buddy
To Lore:
Lore, Keith and I are very sad to hear about Jani leaving. We are thinking of you as you move ahead and anytime you need us, we are there.
My heart goes out to Lori on the loss of our beautiful Jani, the love of Lori’s life. I have known Jani since she was born to my only sister, she was an adorable funny child and loved by everyone. Jani grew up to be a wonderful young lady who found true love with Lori and they had a remarkable life together. I feel so bad for our Lori and hope she keeps all the fantastic memories of their life together close to her heart, it will help her heal. RIP Jani Love you Lori, I’m here for you antime! Aunt Rosemary
Oh Lord. What can I say? I’m absolutely shaken. I want you to know that Missy and Muffy made an indelible mark on the lives of Koko and Johnson; we think of you often as the memories of much laughter and many Marthas come back to us. I’m thinking of you and hoping you find strength and comfort in your dear friends.
We are so very sorry to hear this news and that you have had to say goodbye to the one you have loved so much for so long. Sincere condolences and hoping you find comfort in those thinking about you and standing beside you through this difficult time and adjustment ahead.
We can never think of Jani without thinking about joy, and laughter and her wonderful sense of humour. She was kind and giving and she will be missed by everyone. Jani and Lore’s relationship was inspiring because their love for each other was so evident to the world.
I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. Whenever I was lucky enough to have my path cross Jani’s I was always taken by her genuine and loving presence. She was loved and will be missed
So sorry to hear this news. Jan was such an inspiration to me and a kind face when needed. Such wonderful warm memories. Love Carla
Lore, we are so deeply saddened to hear about Jani. The world has lost a beautiful, fun loving, gentle, free spirited woman. She was an amazing person who touched so many of us. Her heart was full of so much love and kindness for everyone. May you find much comfort and peace in all your memories of Jani. You are in our hearts. Love Ardith and Laurie
I am in awe with our great loss! I have no doubt Jani lived her life out and on her terms and I cannot imagine the void in yours now Lore. May you find comfort in knowing Jani is at peace and that heaven is her reward. Thank you for sharing. Huge Hugs, ♥️
I was very shocked by the loss of beloved Jani. I knew that she had been sick, but was hoping that she would make a full recovery. My memory of Jani goes back to 1975 when she and Lore were dancing with manikins. Hard to believe that this was 46 years ago. Although we occasionally kept in touch through Facebook she has always been in my thoughts. I have fond memories of visiting you in Kelowna and the fun we had. My heart goes out to you, Lore, as I know that she will always be in your heart. May she rest in peace.
Here’s to our lead Sweetheart. I cherish the countless, precious memories and that eternal smile!
Lori,
How incredibly difficult it is to lose a dear partner, wife and fellow adventurer. I send you all the compassion I have to you as you deal with her passing. I thought it was delightful to open the door to your store and be greeted by the two of you there, together with such a loving connection that it included others around you. Lov to you.
I’m very sorry for your loss Lori Jani was an amazing person and friend will miss our adventures together and my fellow Aries sister gone far too early much love to you and her brother and sisters sincere condolences
I am so happy you lived, and I had the pleaser of meeting you. Your free spirit and kindness will live on. Thank you and Lore for the smiles and laughter and sweet memories
It is so sad when a shining light like Jan is extinguished. The last time our paths crossed was at the Kelowna Cancer Center two years ago when we were both diagnosed. Despite her condition she was bubbly and determined to beat her cancer. She gave me great inspiration to do the same. My heart is heavy with sadness knowing she is gone. The world is a greyer place without her. She will be missed.
Jan lefts us with memories of her enthusiasm and creativity she brought to life. Her kindness and generosity impacted others and will live on.
Mark and I are so sad to hear of the passing of Jan. Her smile, love and thoughtfulness will be missed. Lori, it is hard to imagine the feelings of loss you must be having – we send our hugs and love.
Dear Lori : We were saddened to hear of Janis’ passing. She was very special,and will be truly missed by all who knew her. Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Hugs Sandy and Gord.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Lori … I am so sorry for you loss….such long and loving relationship surrounded by your fur babies.
Lori, your relationship with Jani was a very special one that brought joy to your many friends. She will be missed by so many. I hope you allow yourself to be held in the arms and hearts of all who care for you. It is a blessing that we can actually hug you now. Sending a cyber hug now, and I will follow up with a tangible one soon.
Lore so so to hear this new today and thinking of you hugs to you and remembering Jani with good memories
So sad of the loss of Jan. Our fond memories are of how kind and considerate Jan was with our training. Always a kind word, a wonderful smile and unwavering support. Wishing you many happy memories Lore and all the village of love from those who cared so much for Jan.
We were so happy to have Jani as part of our family. We cherish the times we had together for the past 45 years. We love her dearly and will always remember her eternal smile and the happiness she and Lori had together.. Blessings and Love.
Dear Lore, we are relatively new friends but in the short time we have known you it was very evident what a sweetheart Jani
Was. A kind, humorous person who so loved you and the dogs. Please know we are thinking of you and if there is anything you need we are here
Jan, your kindness and generosity touched so many lives. We are honoured to have been your friends and are so grateful you were in our lives. Our heart goes out to you Lore and to Jani’s brother and sisters. Lore you were so caring and compassionate with Jan. You done well kiddo. We are proud of you!
Heartfelt Condolences Cousin Lori and Family,
Jani made a difference in so many lives and while we mourn the loss, we also celebrate the gifts we never would have known if we hadn’t known such a wonderful person.
Such a loss! I knew Jan from my CODAC days, she was always enthusiastic, encouraging and inspiring. She was so young, she will be missed. My deepest condolences.
Hi Lor. We are all saddened by the loss of Jannie. What a fantastic person she made everyone who met her feel so happy. We all remember her commitment to you and her dogs so special. We had good times in Palm Springs and even in the hot weather Jannie would take the dogs to agility classes. Let’s all remember the good that Jannie brought to all of us who had the pleasure to know her. I still remember walking you to the alter at you wedding. It was one of my life highlights.
Lori, Arthur and I have a great concern your heavy heart with the loss of
dear Lori— Arthur and I have great concern for your heavy heart with the loss of Jani. We always enjoyed any time spent with both of you over the years. Jani was always smilie, warm and bubbly. I hope you come to see us soon.
We’re so sad to have lost our dear, sweet Auntie Jani, but know she’ll always remain in our hearts
Jani you are missed. Always you’ll remain in my heart. ❤️
I will forever be grateful that you, Lori, and Jan have been in my life. Jan was an incredibly strong force packaged in a sweet and gentle person. I will miss her forever. I will be here for you forever.
My sincere condolences to Lori and family members. It was a joy to shop at Tiger Lily and spend time talking with Jan and Lori while shopping and visiting with you both when you lived in the house next to Ann and Allan. I am so very sorry about her passing , but glad her last two years were peaceful by a very courageous woman.
It was a pleasure to know Jan and to share so many fun times at dog agility.
It was a privilege to know Jan and to share so happy memories with her and Lori at dog agility trials.. A bright light has gone out in the world..
Lore
Just know that Jani was such an important addition to our family and you are both much Loved.
Love and hugs
Peg and Gar
Lori,
I will always remember Jan’s warmth and friendliness when modelling for Mostly Cotton.
Deepest sympathies, Fumi
Lori, I was so sorry to hear of Jan’s recent passing. I am thinking of you and share the sorrow in your heart with the loss of your loving partner. Stay strong, sending much love your way. Penny (Shirtliff) Blouw
We feel so blessed and grateful to have known Jani. Her amazing energy and generosity touched so many people and we are all richer by her friendship. and kindness, her intelligence and courage. Thank you for the yummy potlucks, the Christmas Eve celebrations, and all the interesting conversations. Lore, you were there all the way and your love shone bright and fierce. We are here for you. Love Ruth and Fatima