Jana Baldwin passed away on December 8th, 2020, after a brave, two-year struggle with cancer. She came into the world as Jana Klinkova, on July 24, 1963, at Olomouc, Czechoslavkia. Her early childhood was spent in Prague, but soon after the Soviet invasion of their country in 1968, Jana’s parents fled with her – first to Germany, in 1969, then on to Vancouver, in 1970. They first settled on the West End, then moved to U.B.C. student housing (Oyama Court), while her father completed his Ph.D. Until the end, Jana fondly recalled her childhood at U.B.C., and, in particular, playing there with her cousin, Maria, whose family had also fled Czechoslovakia. Indeed, one of Jana’s last outings on her cherished electric bicycle was to Oyama Court, with her cousin Maria, where they reminisced.
Following her father’s graduation from U.B.C., the Klinka family settled in Victoria, where Jana graduated from Reynolds High School. As a young lady, Jana returned to U.B.C., where she rejoined her cousin, Maria, as an undergraduate. After graduating U.B.C. with her Bachelor of Arts, Jana settled in Kitsilano, eventually moving to her beloved, West 14th Avenue home, with her husband, Mike.
Jana’s entire career was dedicated to the B.C. Public Service, from which she retired as a Probation Officer, during her illness. But Jana’s passion was cats – Singapura cats. She founded Katzalano Singapuras, from which she showed and raised Singapuras, claiming dozens of show-circuit accolades, over the years, and receiving international recognition.
Jana leaves behind her husband, Mike, her parents, Dr. Jan and Anna Klinka, brother Dan (Richelle), her beloved nephews, Izaak and Eli, and – last but not least – her much-adored Singapura show kitties.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the B.C. Cancer Agency, in Jana’s honour, or to the Vancouver Humane Society, or B.C.S.P.C.A. No memorial service will be held, at this time. But, there will be a celebration of Jana’s life when the sunshine returns to bless the Vancouver beaches that she loved so much. (Details TBA.)