A memorial service for the 86-year-old Gibsons woman killed in a March 21 accident was held Wednesday, March 30, at Devlin Funeral Home in Gibsons.
Janice Farrell’s son Seann told Coast Reporter prior to the service that he was looking forward to sharing stories about Janice with the community and hearing their stories as well.
Seann Farrell, who lives in San Diego, said since arriving with his girlfriend to deal with the aftermath of the accident, the outpouring of sympathy has overwhelmed him.
“Your community is very special,” he said. “I’m indebted that so many people care about her.”
Janice was retired, and dedicated much of her time to volunteer activities at the Sechelt Public Library.
Farrell said that, after relocating to the Sunshine Coast 20 years ago, his mother “found her greatest peace and happiness amongst nature and her community friends that she craved. Her favourite saying was ‘to live is to give,’ and her true purpose in life was clearly allowed to flourish here on this coastal paradise.”
RCMP said Janice Farrell had just gotten off a bus at Highway 101 near Oceanview Drive around 8 p.m. on March 21, and was trying to cross the highway when she was hit by a car. The bus stop is now the site of a growing, impromptu memorial.
The driver of the car has been cooperating with RCMP, who said they suspect the dark and rainy conditions may have been factors.
No charges are being recommended at this time.
The accident has brought old concerns about that stretch of Highway 101 back to the surface, in particular the 80 km/h speed limit. In January of 2007, 12-year-old Brynn Suddes was struck by a vehicle and killed while trying to cross 101 from a bus stop near The Poplars mobile home park, about one kilometre south of the scene of the March 21 accident.
Seann Farrell said he’s aware of the talk, and has noticed during his time on the Coast that there are areas where there’s not much buffer between pedestrians and fast-moving traffic, but doesn’t want to comment on whether changes should be made.
