In memoriam: Janet Funk, a beloved volunteer, sadly passed away following the news of this award. Her compassion and lasting impact on patients, families and staff will always be remembered. With her husband Steve Stone and their therapy dog Freya, Janet brought joy and comfort to many, earning the team a Service Delivery Excellence Award.
Photo (from left to right): Volunteers Janet Funk and Steve Stone with their St. John Ambulance therapy dog Freya
At Burnaby Hospital and Fellburn Care Centre, volunteers make a difference — sometimes they even arrive on four paws.
Janet, Steve and their St. John Ambulance therapy dog Freya became part of the Burnaby Hospital volunteer team in August 2022, providing comfort and companionship to patients, residents and staff alike.
“The positive impact that Janet, Steve and Freya brought was very noticeable at both Burnaby Hospital and Fellburn Care Centre. The immense happiness they brought on every visit to patients, residents and their families and staff was seen on the faces of all the people they visited,” shared Jeff Parker, coordinator of volunteers.
Learn more about the Pet Therapy Team’s inspiring work:
Janet and Steve have been no strangers to health care. In fact, it was their calling.
Janet, a nurse of 35 years, spent her life caring for others. Even while facing her second battle with cancer, she continued to serve and believed everyone has the responsibility to help others when they can.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to retire,” Janet explained. “I’ve been a nurse for 35 years, so I thought — I can’t just leave. It’s our home, our work home. So, we decided to volunteer.”
Gesturing lovingly to Freya, she added: “And we decided to volunteer her.”
Steve, with 28 years experience as a paramedic, brings a calm and steady presence to volunteering. And Freya — she is more than a therapy dog; she is a beacon of joy. Whether dressed as a Canuck, a spider or a glamorous Oscar winner, she brings smiles wherever she goes. She senses who needs her most and offers her affection freely.
“Freya is really good with costumes, and she just craves attention,” Steve said.
“People liked to gather around and take a picture every time she came to visit,” Janet added.
Being a comforting presence may seem simple, but it had a profound impact.
“We were all talking about Freya — from housekeepers to nurses to doctors,” Social Worker Easter Tocol reflected. “We asked each other, ‘Do you remember what Freya wore?’ It really brightened the mood.”
“Freya has a way of making days better — bringing sunshine when people might be having a difficult time,” Jeff added.
One especially proud moment came on Christmas Day.
“One Christmas, we visited every department with the volunteer group,” Steve recalled.
“We dressed Freya up, pushed her on a trolley pulling her sleigh, wearing reindeer antlers. Afterwards, an ICU doctor met us in the parkade and said that in five months of working with a patient, he hadn’t seen her smile — until that day.”
Not only have Janet and Steve believed in giving their time, but they also believed in giving back.
“They’ve helped launch a cancer support group and donated proceeds from a book about Freya to support the Burnaby Hospital Foundation,” explained Easter. “Janet was pivotal in starting our cancer support group. She brought so much energy and enthusiasm, but most importantly, she dedicated her life to trying to help people and to improve their cancer experience.”
They also believed in paying it forward.
“When asked to speak about their health care careers to the students, they quickly agreed,” Jeff shared.
Through their pet therapy visits, Janet, Steve and Freya have uplifted those facing illness, loneliness and uncertainty — touching lives with smiles, wagging tails and genuine human connection.
“Our award is coming here,” Janet said. “That’s reward enough for us.”
Congratulations to the Pet Therapy Team – recipient of a Service Delivery Excellence Award.
In memory of Janet Funk
We honour Janet Funk, who sadly passed away following the news of this award.
Her invaluable contributions and the profound impact she made on patients, families and staff will be remembered always.
