August 31, 1989 - September 22, 2019
On September 22nd 2019, our beloved Janine passed peacefully away in the loving arms of her parents in St. Anthony. Janine Powell was born to Wanita (nee Normore) and Clifford Powell on August 31st, 1989 in St. Anthony, where she was loved dearly by her mom and dad, and brothers Jonathan and Alexander.
Though she faced a myriad of challenges that set her apart from her peers in many ways, Janine held an incredible presence that had a positive impact on many. Those challenges were met with a resilience and fortitude that inspired all who knew of her story. Friends were drawn to her presence from everywhere.
Through her vulnerabilities Janine gave us the gift of insight and showed us things we might otherwise have missed. She helped us to see her beautiful soul. She gave us the gift of perspective. She reminded us that most of our problems are not really problems, and to be grateful for what we have. We must savor the sweet, beautiful moments we have every day. Janine gave us the gift of unconditional love. Unconditional love is loving even when it hurts, even when it’s not easy. It’s loving because you simply can’t help but love. And that is the greatest triumph of any life. To love and be loved. And Janine taught us how to love without words, without limits, without reasons. She gave us the gift of beauty. Her life was not easy, and it was not glamorous. There were a lot of hard times, for her and for her family and friends. But she taught us that we can see past the difficulties and find the beauty, for there is always beauty.
Janine was a student at St. Anthony Elementary where she was cared for and nurtured by her professional teachers and student assistants. She spent time at the family cabin, known as Janine’s Place, and in the camper with her family on road trips. She was the core of the family unit, spending much time embraced in the arms of loved ones. She was blessed with various caregivers who showed her much love, compassion and devotion. Janine was always present and involved in family and community events, whether it was snow sculpting, sliding, fun camp fires, Christmas parades, finger painting, ski doo rides, boat trips and annual family Christmas tree hunts. She participated in holiday events including Hallowe’en, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter celebrations. She was a member of Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides.
Janine is predeceased by her paternal grandparents Myra and Winston Powell. Left to cherish her memories are her parents Wanita and Cliff, brothers Jonathan and Alexander, maternal grandparents Levi and Tamsie Normore, and a host of extended family and friends.
Kerry M. Fillatres Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Janine’s cremains and a slideshow celebrating her, will be held at St. Mary's Anglican Church on Thursday, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm for family and friends. The funeral service will be held on Friday, 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, guests may donate in Janine’s memory to a charitable organization that supports individuals with disabilities or the local community such as:
● The Community Readiness Association (local) [https://chimp.net/charities/community-readiness-for-people-with-disabilities-inc]
● Joy Fellowship (local)
● The Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living (provincial) [https://www.nlacl.ca/]
● Helping Hands (local)