Obituary of Jan Reber
Janice Frances Reber (nee Martin) passed from this life to the next on April 8, 2025 at the Palliative Care unit of Douglas Memorial Hospital after a series of serious illnesses. She met the challenges set for her by these illnesses with courage and her characteristic grace. She was born on February 8, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, to Stanley Martin, who had immigrated from England to Canada, and his wife Frances Permelia Martin (nee Turner; in later life, Frances Pay), who was born in Roland, Manitoba. The beloved wife of husband Thomas Clark Reber, Janice was previously married to the late Reverend Canon David Russell, former rector of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Fort Erie. She was pre-deceased by her parents and brothers Clark and David Martin. She is survived by sisters-in-law Lori Martin and Barb Martin and a number of nieces and nephews, as well as many in-laws on her husband's side, including mother-in-law Joan Reber of Sylvania, Ohio.
Janice met her husband Thomas at Trinity Episcopal Church in Buffalo in 1994. In 1998 they had an international wedding celebration, marrying in that church and holding a reception at a hotel in Fort Erie.
Janice, known usually as "Jan," was the proud and devoted mother of three children with her late husband David--Andrea Russell (Anjelika Casile), Jason Russell (Jennifer), and David Glenn Russell (Renee). She also had nine grandchildren: Matthew Steinberg (David), Andrew Morrill, Olivia Russell, Colin Russell, Makenna Russell, Alexander Russell, Megan Russell, William Russell, and Marlee Russell. Jan will be sadly missed by her children and grandchildren. At holiday and birthday gatherings, both generations enjoy sharing stories with each other of their childhood experiences with her. Her grandchildren remember fondly spending time with Jan ("Nana"), who often looked after them in their early years. With her cherished grandchildren she engaged in many activities, including reading books, doing puzzles, taking walks, playing dress-up, visiting Disney World, and simply conversing with them about their lives and accomplishments. She shared her cooking skills with the family, not just by making food but also by teaching some of them how to cook. Family members remember especially her delicious apple pies.
Jan attended the Ontario College of Art and Design, and while for many years her occupation was dental hygienist, she was at heart an artist for all of her life. She was a very creative individual, painting in various media, including watercolors and oil, and making pencil sketches. These works often were of scenes from nature—leaves, flowers, and forests. She shared her creativity with others in various ways—for instance, by displaying her works in art fairs and by giving special paintings to each of her children. For a short time, she taught art at the Robert Land Academy. In more-recent years, she hosted a bi-weekly informal artists' meeting in her home with several ladies who also painted. They shared conversation while working on their individual projects and critiquing them.
Jan's faith was integral to her life, and her art work included designing and making many textile works for several churches on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. She lovingly made beautiful altar coverings, banners, and stoles for priests. Her designs were often somewhat abstract rather than literal. Jan was at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Fort Erie as the Reverend Canon David Russell's wife during the 1980s. After his death in 1985 she attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY, for many years. There she served for four years as a warden and for many years as a chalice bearer. She returned to St. Paul's Church for approximately the last fourteen years, where she volunteered for many activities, chaired a committee that coordinated visits with parishioners, and sang in the choir. She leaves behind many friends at St. Paul's.
Jan's creativity extended to avid gardening. She nurtured the growth of daffodils, hostas, a wisteria vine, and various other flowers and shrubs in her yard, and attended meetings of the Fort Erie Horticultural Society. She also enjoyed watching the many different birds that came to the feeder in her backyard.
Jan's relatives and friends will remember her as unusually kind and generous. She had an intuitive knowledge of who people were and what they needed, and she selflessly and often quietly supplied the latter. She was an excellent listener and confidant and provided guidance to many.
Visitation will be held at Benner's Funeral Home, on Tuesday, May 27, 5-8 pm, at Benner Funeral Services. A funeral service for Jan will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at 11:00 am at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Fort Erie.
Donations in Jan's memory may be made to St. Paul's Anglican Church, Fort Erie, or to the Douglas Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.