I was so lucky to meet Janis and Gordon when I first lived abroad. I still remember the warm sunshine on the beautifully kept garden, where we shared tea and cookies. The wonderful smell from the cozy wooden kitchen and the delicious dinners every night are unforgettable. I also cherish the soft breeze and Riley and Harley’s cheerful barking as we walked along Tasman Beach. Thank you, Janis, for your warmth and kindness during my homestay. All those memories remain some of the most beautiful moments in my life. It’s hard to say goodbye. I hope your kind and gentle soul rests in peace. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to Gordon and the family during this difficult time. With love and care from Taiwan, Yvette

Thank you for having such a loving and generous heart, and for caring for our baby so warmly that he would cry out of excitement to go to your place. We are deeply grateful that you were part of our lives, for being a witness at our wedding, and for all the beautiful memories — including the ones we didn’t get to make. We will miss you dearly. Sending love to Gordon, Erica, and Scott. Mila&Mateo

Keith A very heavy heart to hear of aunty Janis passing I have such fond memories of being with you all over the years and I remember Janis being so happy, smiling and fun to be around. I talk about you nearly every month as my youngest always asks every time I read the dedication that your Mum put in the front of their favourite Hairy Mclary children’s book. I must have read that book 1000 times by now. Our thoughts are with you both and Gordon in this very difficult time. Love from your Spanish family, Keith

I am still so greatful for my time with Janis and Gordon. I stayed for over 2 months with them and even had the honor to spend Christmas with them and Erica. It was the beginning of an unforgettable adventure for me and the first time being alone in another country. I remember Janis as such a lovely person, she welcomed me in a super kind way and helped me with so many things during my stay. I will never forget my time with you! Rest in peace Janis. My deepest condolences go out to Gordon and the family!

I am deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Janis. she welcomed me into her home with such warmth and kindness, making me feel like a family during the 3 weeks I stayed with her and Gordon. I feel truly lucky that I had the chance to see you in January 2025, its a memory I’ll always hold close to my heart. Rest in peace Janis. You will be deeply missed, but your love and light will live in all of us who were lucky enough to know you. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with Gordon and the entire family during this difficult time. wishing you strength, peace, and comfort

I was so happy that I have experienced a homestay as an international student in your house. When I stayed at Janis and Gordon's house, I got COVID for the first time. I much appreciated it that Janis cared me a lot then. I'll miss you and your lovely cooking as well. Praying for your soul to rest in peace from Japan.

I was only a homestay student for a month, but thank you so much for welcoming me so warmly. I still can't believe you left so soon, but Janice, I'm so glad I met you. Please come into our dreams sometimes. Arigato Janis.

Our condolences to Gordon, Erica and Scott for their very sad loss. Will always have very fond memories of Jan and Gordon's hospitality at their legendary barbicues. RIP Jan

Thankyou for sharing Jan's service with us, it means a lot. We were living in Christchurch (1983) when Jan reached out to us with a phone call to introduce herself and we have kept in touch ever since. Whenever we traveled to the South Island we would meet up and a warm welcome was always there. As cousins we got to enjoy your hospitality and my family Minnie, Daniel, Julie and Luke enjoyed the times we had together. Over the years Jan would ring and proudly tell us about the family and her fur babies. Our condolences to Gordon, Erica, Scott and family.

We're so deeply sorry to hear of Jan's passing. She was so kind and caring, had a great sense of humor, loved her furry friends and was an AMAZING cook! She knew how to host a get together. Our thought's go out to you, Gordon, Erica and Scott.

Dear Janis I am saddened you have left this world But hope you are now free from the pain and suffering you endured. My memories go to lovely times spent last year with you at the army reunion We had a lovely morning tea together in Akoroa and me complaining about the pastries they had heated in the microwave they were soapy Such silly matters now Rest in peace my darling friend We will always 🥰 love you

Aunty Janis, you brought warmth, laughter, and light wherever you went. I fondly remember your smile, kindness and warm cuddles. You will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to Erica, Scott and Uncle Gordon. Love to you all xx

I will never forget the three weeks I spent with Janis and Gordon, who welcomed me as host family. Janis brightened my time in Nelson. Thank you so much, Janis. My thoughts are with Gordon today. Take good care of yourself.

Watching from Australia, I farewell my Aunt Janis with love. To Erica and Scott, and to my uncle Gordon—her beloved husband—my deepest sympathy. To all our extended family gathered today, please know I’m with you in spirit and hold you close. Janis gave us kindness, laughter, and steadiness; we will carry that forward.

Janis hosted so many students from our school and she was amazing at it. Her kindness changed the lives of students from all over the world and she will be sorely missed. Our love and thoughts for her family and everyone that knew her.

The attached image was taken at our Aqua Mermaid Xmas gathering.

I was very fortunate to share the deep end of the pool with Janice at Aqua fit. She worked hard to maintain good health and enjoyed the close friendships that developed amongst our group of mermaids. She will be sadly missed and not forgotten, she was such a fun loving, kind, thoughtful, generous and inspirational soul. Robert and I send our heartfelt condolences to Gordon and Janices' two children, Erica, and Scott.

We were so saddened to hear of the demise of Janis. Heartfelt sympathies dearest Gordon, Erica and Scott. Hoping the happy memories you shared with Janis helps to ease the pain. May Her soul rest in peace Anne and Julian Braganza

To Gordon, Erica, Scott & extended family …. With sincere condolences and much sadness at your loss. Respectfully Derrick 😢 ❤️

“You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.” Special words for Janis, a special friend, we are thinking of you all, love to Gordon, Erica and Scott. Sally and Elk xxxxxxx

To Gordon, Erica & Scott, I remember dear Aunty Janice as a larger than life character, who I have the fondest memories of. Warm, joyful, funny, loving and kind. My heart goes out to you xxx

Dear Janis, such a shock to see your name here, I was hoping to see you at the pool again. RIP. My deepest condolences to Gordon, Erica and Scott. Stefi