Cynthia Marie Janisse

It is with the heaviest of broken hearts that we share the absolute devastating and unexpected passing of Cynthia Marie Janisse. A loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, partner and friend, she passed in the early hours of 20th Dec 2023 suffering from heart failure while celebrating her 40th birthday. Cynthia is survived by her partner in life Cole Izsak, son Jasiah, in-laws Jerry and Marta Izsak, parents Dorothy (nee Young) and Joseph Janisse, brother Andrew Janisse and his wife Brittany.

Cynthia was born 19 Dec 1983 in North Bay Ontario. She was the highly anticipated and profoundly loved first born and also a deeply cherished big sister to her younger brother.

Cynthia spent her childhood growing up throughout Canada during her father’s career in the Canadian Military. As a result, she developed a knack of making friends easily, something she carried with her throughout life. She spent her childhood in North Bay, ON, Cold Lake, AB, Dartmouth, NS, graduated high school in North Bay, ON in 2001, finally settling in Vancouver BC.

From a childhood spent moving with her family, to being a victim of a vicious attack, experiencing homelessness, battling addiction, to obtaining her sobriety, completing her post secondary education, establishing a career as an Addiction and Family Worker, to her final and most important role as a mother to her beloved son Jasiah, Cynthia’s life story tells the tale of many hardships and triumphs.

Everyone who met Cynthia will remember she was truly a beautiful, unique, free spirited, wild, adventurous, compassionate, kind hearted, caring, loving person. Her attributes were endless. She was bold and had the most contagious smile with such a passion for life. Cynthia was an amazingly talented artist, creating everything from unique crochet wall decor to wonderful drawings and paintings. Early in her life, these talents earned her an offer to have a private showing at the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon.

Cynthia enjoyed so much in life from reading a good book, camping in the wilderness, fixing her “baby” (SUV), or bungee jumping off a bridge in a bunny onesie. Her love of life was contagious, and was one of her many attributes that affected the lives of anyone she met. She once wrote, “I believe that all lessons in the world couldn’t compare to open minded curiosity and the confidence to explore it”. She has inspired us for so long to be more adventurous, to try new things, to experience and explore more. These are things we will continue to do in her memory and we will always keep her in our hearts.

These few words we share can only begin to describe the love we had for Cynthia, and the heartbreak our family has endured with her loss. The world will never quite be the same without the beauty of Cynthia. She will be greatly missed by her loving family, and always remembered in their hearts. We are sincerely, grateful for the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss.

Cynthia was cremated by Elements Cremation Pre-planning and Burial Services. Details addressing her internment and a Celebration of her life will be forthcoming.  Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation in honour of Cynthia. (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations).

In Loving Memory of Cynthia

Of all the special gifts in life,

however great or small,

to have you in our life,

was the greatest gift of all.

As memories fill our thoughts,

we cherish them so dear,

We love and miss your presence,

and wish that you were here.

Deep in our hearts, your life is kept,

to love and cherish, not forget.

No more tomorrows will we share,

but yesterdays are always there.

Whether in a silent thought,

or in a gentle tear,

you’ll always be in our hearts

as we keep your memory near.