We Remember

BENCZE, Janice Elaine

May 3, 1964 — October 22, 2024

Janice Elaine Bencze, born May 3, 1964, passed away on October 22, 2024.

Daughter of Peter Bencze and Vera Bencze, Janice was the fourth child in the family of seven raised in Lestock, Saskatchewan. Surrounded by five brothers and one sister, she grew up strong, active, and resilient. Janice was an all-star athlete, playing softball, volleyball, curling, and track throughout her teen years. After moving to Regina with her mother and younger brothers for her final year of school, Janice trained in the Navy. Later, she completed a degree in criminology at Simon Fraser University, working any and all jobs to fund her education. Her degree led to 25 years of service as a constable in the Vancouver Police Department.

Respectfully and reverently known to the inhabitants of Vancouver’s downtown East Side as “The Dragon Lady,” Janice dedicated herself to understanding her community. She empowered those less fortunate with dignity and empathetic humanity. Janice did not tolerate biases, prejudices, or disrespect directed to the members of this community. Janice never spoke about her work, staying quiet in order to protect and aid women in unsafe situations. Her dedication and care for the people in her community, along with the volunteer work she pursued, earned Janice two rare awards from the Police Superintendent. Janice is missed and honoured by her past squad members, and the people she worked with.

Janice was devoted to her family and friends. With her dazzling smile, bubbling laughter, and wit, Janice won the hearts of anyone she met. She loved travelling, especially exploring South America, which led to her love of Spanish music. Her athleticism lent well to keeping up with her nieces, Emerson and Madeleine, as they grew up. Janice said yes to whatever was requested, from a game of pool volleyball, rounds of badminton, or holding a chicken while on a swing. Janice’s love was evident in her actions, creating strong, lasting connections.

In 2018, Janice was diagnosed with a rare, neurologically degenerative disease called Huntington’s. This genetic disease, no matter how early it is caught, is fatal, and research on it is still new. Despite the toll this disease took on Janice’s mobility, speech, dignity, and quality of life, she remained playful, intensely independent, and caring. Her smile lit up any room, even in her final days. As her brother Glenn often remarked, “She is the best of us.”

Janice is survived by her five brothers: Mark, Roy, Glenn, Patrick, and Chris (Danica); her sister, Maureen; and her nieces, Emerson and Madeleine Rogers. Her loss is grieved profoundly by all who loved and knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held on SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2025, AT 1:00 PM, located at HMCS Queen, 100 100 Navy Way, in Regina, Saskatchewan, in a joint celebration with her mother Vera.

If you are unable to attend and would like to honour her legacy, please consider donating to the Huntington Society of Canada or to your local women’s shelter, to help carry on the autonomy, dignity, and grace that Janice fought so hard to ensure for herself and for others.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service
Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM

Location
HMCS Queen

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Huntington Society of Canada Link: www.huntingtonsociety.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BENCZE, Janice Elaine is scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

HMCS Queen

100 100 Navy Way, Regina, SK

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke