Obituary of Janice Elizabeth Rollins

Janice Elizabeth Rollins 

December 13, 1946 – January 11, 2025 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janice Elizabeth Rollins (Jan), who left us on January 11, 2025. 

Born in London, Ontario on December 13, 1946, to Floyd and Helen Stewart, Jan grew up with a love of family and a strength of spirit that guided her throughout her 78 years. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers.

Jan shared 56 beautiful years of marriage with William Dwight Rollins, her devoted husband and steadfast partner. Together, they built a loving home and raised three sons, Tim (Leanne) Rollins, Doug (Karine Baser) Rollins, and Dan (Jen Lillie) Rollins, who brought her immense pride and joy. She cherished her family and adored  her six grandchildren (Griffen/Carter, Ellis/Aidan, and Taylor/Wesley) and daughters in-law, who she loved and respected as if they were her own. 

Jan was an avid sports fan and athlete. She excelled in athletics as a youth, and this was passed on to her three boys. She spent many years cheering on her sons and grandchildren while they played hockey, lacrosse and various other sports. Her love of sports was evident to everyone, (especially those closest to her in the stands) and this continued throughout her life when she was on the water racing or in the gym training for the next dragon boat season. 

As a breast cancer survivor, Jan found her passion in dragon boat racing and was a founding member of the Rowbust Dragon Boat Racing Team in London. A member of two World Champion boats and multiple Canadian Championship crews, Jan’s time on the water symbolized her unyielding strength, teamwork, and competitive spirit. On and off the boat, she inspired everyone who knew her with her resilience, warmth, and a wicked sense of humour. 

After retiring as a registered nurse in 1999, Jan embraced travel. She shared many adventures with Dwight, exploring new countries and cultures, and developing new friendships along the way. 

Her battle with Alzheimer’s did not dim the legacy of love, determination, courage, and kindness she leaves behind. Her laughter, compassion, and unwavering support for family and friends will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Trace and Chelsey Park for their care of Jan in her later years, and her closest friends who stayed connected with Jan throughout her life. We would also like to thank everyone who offered their love and support during Jan’s journey. 

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 1st at Highland Country Club in London between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Rowbust Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Racing Society (donate) or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners (donate). 

Rest in peace, Jan. Your spirit will forever live on in our hearts, in the waters you paddled through, and in the many lives you touched.