Kelsey Janzen

Kelsey Paige Janzen

     1984 ~ 2023

Loving & devoted single Mom to Harlow Sienna, passed away suddenly on May 23rd, 2023, weeks after being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer, due to complications. 

Kelsey was born February 15th, 1984, in Taber, Alberta. She was a spitfire as a child. Happy, carefree & always on the go. She was very athletic, artistic and had the gift of singing. She competed successfully in many competitions and at age 19, auditioned and was hired to be lead singer for the band, Billy Vegas. Family & friends followed her like groupies wherever she performed. It was the best time.

I could say she was the perfect daughter, but I won't. She made choices that caused her to struggle at many points in her short life. Once Harlow was born, she worked hard to turn her life around and be the best Mom & Dad to Harlow. They had such a special bond and no matter the obstacles that came along, the two of them worked together and they never gave up.

Kelsey and Harlow were very fortunate to have a small circle of family and friends who were there for them through thick and thin. And because Kelsey couldn't always afford some of Harlow's wants and needs, these special people in her life were always there to give Harlow adventures most kids only dream of.

She also had 2 BFF'S, Amy & Syd who Kelsey loved to the moon. She could always be herself with them. She could share laughter and tears and they could be the biggest goofballs around. Since the beginning of 2023 she'd put her heart and soul into being a "Short Term Disability Claims Specialist" with "Sun Life Financial". Now with her sudden passing and being one month short of her critical illness benefits, Sun Life has stepped up beyond what we could have ever imagined. Harlow will appreciate their generosity in her future education. We'll appreciate it always.

Kelsey was predeceased by her Grandpa Maruno, Grandma Maruno, Patricia Johnson, Brandon Lavallee, Lorraine Howlett, Teijii Nakamura, Grandpa Janzen, Wanda and Wayne Melnychuk, and Kathy and John Sawka.

Kelsey, (39) is survived by her 12 year old daughter, Harlow Sienna Janzen. Parents: Robert and Annie Janzen. Brother Justin, Sister-in-law, Hollie Janzen, Grandmother Lena Janzen, as well as many aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends gathered May 30th, 2023, for a private celebration of Kelsey’s life. 

Many thanks to Brad Sawka from Eden's Coaldale Funeral Home, as well as Christensen Salmon Generations. The time and care he took to be sure our wishes for Kelsey's celebration of life were realized meant the world to us. 

So many thanks to the Doctors and especially the nurses who gave Kelsey constant care and kindness during her very difficult last days. I cannot express the gratitude we truly feel. 

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