Obituary of Janice Marie Cullen

CULLEN: Janice "Jan" Marie Cullen. It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of the beloved wife of Brian Cullen after a long battle with scleroderma. Jan was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, on April 2, 1951, to parents Ernie Bird and Beatrice Yerxa. She spent her childhood growing up on Couchiching First Nation Reserve with her brother, Greg Bird, and numerous other family members before moving to Brandon to attend school at Neelin High School. This is where she met the love of her life and was married soon after on April 20, 1968. During their 48 year marriage they eventually settled in Brandon. Jan took great pride in being able to stay home and raise three children in a loving home. Nothing was more important to her during this time. She was also able to open up her home and heart for numerous foster children and this is where she met a very special friend, Mary Massey. Jan took great pride in her Aboriginal background and would attend festivals and powwows whenever possible. She attended Brandon University after her children were older and graduated with a degree in psychology. Her hobbies included spending time with a few of her grandchildren (Jake Cullen; Emily Cullen; Noah Zinn; Evan Watt); reading; bingo; sewing; watching hockey and curling. Jan is survived by her husband, Brian Cullen; children; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren and many extended family members. Jan had a special place in her heart for her "older sister", Peggy Louie of Fort Frances; Buddy Louie of Fort Frances; Dr. Blue of Brandon; Aunt Rosie and Uncle Dick of Fort Frances and her in-laws (Maureen; Rick; Heather and David). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jan to the Westman Woman's Shelter, 148-11 Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4J4. A Celebration of Jan's Life will take place at a later date.