Janie-Lynn (Vander Laan) Avila

It is with heart-breaking sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Janie-Lynn Avila, of Red Deer, at the Foothills Medical Centre, ICU in Calgary on the evening of Monday, March 01, 2021 at the age of 31 years. Janie fought a brave battle against two types of blood cancers during the past 16 months. During this time she and her husband, Miguel, were blessed with a baby girl, Luna Jane, who was born prematurely in the NICU of Foothills Medical Centre in order for Janie’s treatment of cancer to begin.

Janie was a loving and caring mother, wife, sister, daughter, grand daughter, niece, sister-in-law, and aunt. As well, she surrounded herself with close friends, co-workers, and also her two dogs. She enjoyed various activities which included camping, hiking, world travel, concert-going, gardening, yoga, and dance. Janie was an accomplished singer and pianist, having played in a church worship team in her teen years. She was married to her loving husband, Miguel, in 2013 and settled in Red Deer where she used her university education in helping others as a career coach and her love for animals by caring for dogs.

Janie-Lynn Avila was born on May 8, 1989 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Later her family moved to Michigan, and then onto southern and central Alberta, where she graduated from Central Alberta Christian High School. After attending Red Deer College and the University of Laval, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta.

The family is grateful to the doctors, nurses, and health care staff at FMC-ICU and the Oncology Units, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Red Deer Hospital-ER and Unit 32, Central Alberta Cancer Centre, and the Ronald McDonald House of Calgary. Many thanks to the numerous prayer warriors and Angels of mercy who helped during Janie’s cancer journey.

Janie-Lynn is survived by her husband, J. Miguel Avila, and young daughter, Luna Jane; Parents Mark and Darlene Vander Laan of Bentley, AB; older brother Mark A. of Bentley; and younger brother Jared H. (Katie Dunkelberger) and son, Dax Haven, of Oceanside, California; Father and Mother-in-law Dago and Sandra Avila of Red Deer; brother-in law Jose Dagoberto Avila; sister-in-law Vanessa (Jorge Moreno), nephew Mateo, and niece Olivia. She will also be missed by her maternal grandparents Bert and Agnes Brouwer, her many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, co-workers, and friends.

The families are grateful for the support from so many kind friends and family members during this difficult journey. Special thanks to Pastor Rick Abma, Wilson's Funeral Chapel, and Woody Nook Christian Reformed Church.
 

Te quiero mucho Janie, al infinito y mas allá!

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A Celebration of Janie’s life will be held on Saturday March 06, 2021 at 11:30 am at Woody Nook Christian Reformed Church. Live Streaming of the service will be available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMzOPbj_03N5fkW83Zoxi7A/featured

A Public Come and Go Visitation will be held on Friday March 05, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Please respect that only 20 people allowed in the building at a time due to COVID restrictions.

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In memory of Janie, donations may be made to:

• Klassic Kennels: https://www.klassickennels.com/    39144 Range Road 274 & 1.8 km North of Hwy, Red Deer County, AB T4N 5E1
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada - Calgary Chapter: https://www.llscanada.org/prairies-region
• Ronald McDonald House Alberta: https://rmhcalberta.org/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janie-Lynn (Vander Laan) Avila, please visit our floral store.