Janice Hunter

Janice Lynn Hunter (Bilenduke)

March 8, 1956 – November 2, 2025

Our beloved matriarch of Hunter Inc, Janice Lynn Hunter passed away peacefully, on November 2, 2025 holding the hand of her devoted husband, Dick Hunter, with their loving family by her side. Together, Dick and Janice shared 45 wonderful years of marriage, a bond admired by all who knew them.

Born on March 8, 1956, in Churchill, Manitoba, Janice grew up surrounded by love and a deep appreciation for community but especially her family.

Janice will be forever cherished and lovingly remembered by her husband Dick Hunter; daughter Trisha Mollard (Robert) and their children Preston, Shelby, and MacKenzie, grandchildren Jasper, Isabella, Persais, Delaney, and Charlee; son Dixon Hunter (Ashley Kirkness) and their children Tonisha (Tommy) Briden, Brindi (Isaiah) Jacob, Hannah, Hunter, and Hudson, and grandchildren Jaxon, Zayd, Madelynn, Tatum, and Brileigh and daughter Jannelle Hunter (Brendan McEwan) and their children Taylor (Tristan) and Brandon; Mother Marlene Bilenduke, Sister Jody Bilenduke, Shelley Bilenduke (Wayne) and brother Wayne Bilenduke (Joyce) and many cousins, nieces and nephews 

She was predeceased by her father John Bilenduke, her sister Lana Bilenduke, and her grandson Todd Spence.

Janice dedicated over 27 years to the Royal Bank of Canada, where she made many lasting friendships. She also volunteered with the Girl Guides of Canada, supporting the Churchill chapter for many years, and was a proud supporter of Ducks Unlimited for over 35 years.

Janice met the love of her life, Dick, in 1975 at the Churchill Hotel. Their love story began that day and was filled with laughter, adventure, and the joy of family. Their daughter Trisha was the light of their lives, joining them on countless outdoor adventures. Their love of nature and time spent on the Deer River created many lifelong friendships and cherished memories.

Their son Dixon arrived in 1979—prompting the family joke that “Dick’s son” had finally been born. They were married on June 28, 1980, in Janice’s parents’ home at Goose Creek. It was a hot summer day to remember—thanks to Marlene’s well-stocked fireplace—and one of the happiest days of their lives and still fondly remembered. Their family was completed with the arrival of Jannelle on June 1, 1981.

As a wife, mother of three, grandmother of thirteen, and great-grandmother of nine, Janice was truly the heart of the Hunter Inc. She and Dick built a home filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Family weekends meant group sleepovers in the living room, giggles late into the night, and her famous pancakes in the morning.

Janice loved hosting gatherings, bringing people together, and cheering on her children and grandchildren in their everyday life celebrations. Her annual perogy-making nights were legendary—filled with flour, wine, and red perogies. Traditions like their Christmas Eve “Stop and Sip,” card nights, and paint nights with friends reflected her love of connection and joy. She was always welcoming, with an open heart and open door.

Janice and Dick shared countless happy days at Goose Creek, creating memories of ski-dooing, bonfires, and friendship that will live on forever. Button Bay also held a special place in their hearts, where they spent summer evenings watching the char hit the nets, sitting by the fire, and admiring the rare and beautiful Churchill sunsets she so loved.

After retiring, Janice and Dick fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing their pontoon boat, sharing it with family and friends on countless adventures. At Setting Lake, they discovered the “honey hole” for walleye fishing, where Janice never hesitated to start a $5 fish-off for the first catch. Her competitive spirit and love for the outdoors were unmatched.

In August 2022, Janice and Dick moved to Winnipegosis, settling into their forever home surrounded by family, friends, and a welcoming community. Janice quickly built new friendships and often spoke of how lovely everyone was.

Even in her final days, Janice’s humour and spirit shone brightly. A fiercely competitive fisherwoman, she was still smiling and telling Dick, “Keep all the fish!” True to her joyful nature, just hours before she passed, she made one last request—for a rum and eggnog, her favourite evening treat. Surrounded by her loved ones, they raised their glass one final time and sang Knocking on Heaven Doors.

Janice was extraordinary—and if you knew her, you know just how true that is. Her laughter, kindness, and love will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

We invite friends and family to share stories and memories of Janice in her honour. Raise a glass—a rum and eggnog—to our forever missed Daughter, Sister, Mother, Aunt, Wife, Gramma and GG Janice, and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.

In Janice’s honour we will be hosting a small crib tournament at the Winnipegosis Senior Center on Friday November 7, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Coffee/tea and snacks will be provided.

Please join us in celebrating the beautiful life of Janice Hunter, to be held in Churchill, Manitoba, on June 27, 2026, as we gather to share memories, laughter, and love.

Should friends so desire, donations in Janice's memory may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice Hunter, please visit our floral store.