Janet Diana (Berg) Halvorsen - August 7, 1943 to September 3, 2018
We celebrate the life of Janet Diana Halvorsen. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a god-mother, a cousin, an aunt and a friend.
She was united in marriage to David, the love of her life, in 1963 and enjoyed 53 years making lasting memories with their two daughters, Meredith and Angela.
Jan was kind, caring, witty and always got a little twinkle in her eye when she was doing something she wasn't supposed to! This beautiful woman was one of the strongest women to anyone who knew her. She was poised and humble even when faced with adversity. She could see the good in others and was positive in most situations. During difficult situations she would face it one day at a time. She lived in the present, never forgot her past, taking those lessons, learning and growing from them.
Jan began her career as a secretary at a Gillons' and eventually became the Finance Manager at Family and Children Services. She branched out and started her own bookkeeping business, Beyond Numbers.
She could organize anything from her collection of purses to the building of a home. Whatever she was involved in, she could refine procedures and she would inspire people to get behind her ideas and work with her on it from conception to completion. Whatever the situation she was able to identify, encourage others to maximize their skills as well. She carried that gift into everything she was involved in. She volunteered her time in the RRVAS Fair Board and was instrumental in organizing horse shows in the Rainy River District. She was also one of the founders of the Whispering Pines Saddle Club because of her love of horses and she wanted to share it with others.
She had a passion for horses, dogs and cats but loved all types of animals. It seemed like she had a special connection with them and they were drawn together like a magnet. It was well known that she would pick up a few strays along the way. Most were animals, but some "strays" were of the human kind. Her home was always open to others; friends, family, it didn't matter. If you needed some help along the way, she was there for you. Not only was her home open but also her heart. She always took the time to stop and lend an ear or a helping hand.
Country music, travel, fishing, camping, knitting were some of her favourite pastimes. She loved crafts and whatever she leant her hand to she did exceptionally well. She will also be remembered as an accomplished cook and we will cherish the many, many times we all sat around her table, enjoying good food and good company. She loved a challenge and was always coming up with new ideas for projects to build. She always had a vision and she could see that vision come to fruition, with the help of her beloved husband.
Jan will be lovingly remembered by her children Meredith (Kevin) Croswell, and Angela (Russell Gregoire) Halvorsen. She also leaves behind three grandchildren Kelvin (Chelsea Audette), Cameron and Kailey Croswell.
She was survived by her in-laws Donna (Leonard) Strom, Evelyn (Howard) Roen, Faye (Keith) McCready, Carol (Erwin) Pietila, Ron (Julie) Halvorsen, Ted (Debbie) Halvorsen, Ed (Laurel) Halvorsen, Jim (Charlene) Halvorsen, sister-in-law Lydia Fradsham and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, David, her parents, Bernard and Elsie Berg, her sister Noreen and infant brother Norman.
Please join us in celebrating her life at the Christian Reform Church in Emo on Saturday, September the 8th at 11:00 AM with Reverend Frances Flook presiding.
Honourary pall bearers are all of her family and friends.
Janet left this world peacefully from a glioblastoma multi-forme, stage 4 (also known as a brain tumour) with her daughters and loving friend, Melody by her side. She will be truly missed by all that knew her. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Tamarack House c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com.