Heaven welcomed its most beautiful angel on Friday, April 24, 2026, when Janice Marie Rideout-Dugas passed away surrounded by her family at the Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, NB. Born in Oakville, ON on January 30, 1955, she was the beloved daughter of the late Alton and Dawn (McKay) Rideout.
She was the most beautiful and strongest person we have ever known—faith-filled, peaceful, and courageous in every season of life. She was the heart of our family, our matriarch, a steady and unwavering presence who carried us all with her love. She was unselfish, empathetic, kind, and deeply genuine, with a charisma and warmth that drew people in. She was our rock—strong, intelligent, sometimes stubborn, but always honest—and so full of life.
At a young age, her family moved from Ontario to Saint John, eventually settling in the country—a place she would call home for the rest of her life. It was there that she built the life she loved most, rooted in family, faith, and hard work.
Her greatest calling began at just 15 years old, with the birth of her twin daughters. From that moment on, she knew she was meant to be a mother. She went on to raise her five children, pouring her heart into her family while later returning to school to earn her GED, followed by a Psychology degree and additional business studies—all while raising her young family. Her determination and strength were unmatched.
In 1988, she opened her home and her heart to others by founding Whitehall Estates, a special care home that quickly became more than just a place of care—it became family. Every resident was treated with love and dignity, and the halls were always filled with laughter, her children, grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren. Whitehall was her pride and joy, a continuation of her grandmother’s legacy, and she dedicated herself to it until her retirement in 2022.
Becoming “Nany” in 1994 was one of her greatest joys. Her 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She was proudly known as Nany to all—refusing the title of “Great Nany” because, as she would say, it made her sound old—and “Nany Jann” to so many others who were lucky enough to be loved by her.
On April 5, 2005, she met the love of her life—her “motorcycle man.” From that day forward, they were inseparable. She was his Dolly, and he was her Joseph.Together they built a life filled with adventure, love, and laughter. He introduced her to mudding, hunting, and even taught her to shoot a handgun. Their wedding on August 24, 2013 was the celebration of a lifetime, surrounded by those they loved. They honeymooned in Newfoundland, a place she spoke of often with fondness, and she cherished their annual trips to St. Martins—especially their tradition of sharing a seafood platter at The Cave Restaurant. Through every high and low, including her courageous battle with breast cancer and ongoing health challenges, he remained faithfully by her side until her very last breath.
She had a deep love for the simple, beautiful things in life—her flower and vegetable gardens, sewing, reading, cooking, and keeping a spotless home (with her beloved pink Swiffer never far away). Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where no one ever left empty-handed. Her soups and potato salad were unmatched and made with love that could never be replicated. She cherished family gatherings, where laughter, food, and togetherness were always abundant.
Her beloved dogs—Maggie pugs, Winston, Henri, and Rosi—were truly part of her family and often joked to be the most spoiled of all. After their passing, Kitty came along and happily took over that role.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. She lived it daily and made it her mission to ensure her children and family were raised knowing the Bible and its truth. It is a legacy of faith that will live on through all of us.
Above all, she will be remembered for her love—for her family, her home, and her life. Her presence filled every room, her strength held us together, and her love will carry us forward.
Jann is survived by her loving husband Ab Dugas of Kingston, NB; children: Bethany Dugas (Charles) of Cambridge-Narrows, NB, Brenda Boucher (Brian) of Kiersteadville, NB, Andrew Kennedy (Jody) of Kiersteadville, NB, Sarah Dumont (Darcy) of Halifax, NS, and Ryan Kennedy (Mandi) of French Village, NB; grandchildren: Brittany (Justin), Jeffrey (Bianca), Jessica (Michael), Elaine (Alex), Christopher (Becka), Olivia (Declan), Dylan (Rachel), Austin, Declan, Landan, Alexandre, Benjamin and Danielle; great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Issac, Sawyer, Cassidy, Naomi, Jackson, Maggie, Roselle, Kaycen and Maisie; brothers: Malcolm Rideout (Janice), Douglas Rideout (Ruth), Manford Rideout (Cindy), Philip Rideout (Margaret), Julian Rideout (Joanne), Karl Rideout and Mitchell Rideout; sisters: Leslie Stanley, Leah Quinlon, Katherine Simonds (James), Esther Rideout, Eleanor Rideout and Darlene Rideout; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her parents, Jann was predeceased by her brother Gregory Rideout and sister Barb Kennedy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, where visitation will be held from 4 to 7pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. A private family interment will take place at Oceanview Memorial Gardens, Saint John, NB.
Donations in the memory of Jann may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and memorial donations may be made through ReidsFH.com.
To know her was to love her, and to be loved by her was the greatest gift of all.