January 5, 1948 - September 10, 2021
Heaven gained the most special of all angels on Friday, September 10, 2021, when Janette Louise Nixon was called home to take her well-deserved place in heaven. She was an angel on earth and now an angel in heaven, reunited with many loved ones, and now watching over those still here to carry on her legacy.
She was many things to many people but to us, she was a saint whom we were lucky enough to call our mother.
Jan passed peacefully with the love of her life and best friend, our dad Keith, who was by her side and holding her hand, just as they had done walking through life together for 56 years.
Jan was born in Edmonton to parents, Doris and Lawrence Guenette, on January 5th, 1948. She was a loving daughter to her parents (affectionately called mémère and pépère) and she helped to raise her younger siblings.
In 1965 she married Keith, the son of Ken and Edith Nixon, and together they welcomed six children; Darin, Angela, Andrea, Trent, Colin and Silas. Jan had incredible patience, probably on full display when she had four children under the age of four at just 21 years old.
Her children share loving and special memories of their mother who gave the one-of-a-kind hugs only she could give. Keith tells the story of meeting Mother Theresa and how she had a glow around her that was indescribable, and that's how we all felt about Jan, our mother and grandmother.
Jan loved her big family, her busy home, and creating her fantastic food. Some of her children's favourite memories include coming home from school to the smell of freshly baked bread. She was happiest in her kitchen preparing meals, pickling, and baking.
She enjoyed watching sports and especially her sons playing hockey. She was a willing worker on the farm even though she found calving stressful often crying at the loss of a newborn calf.
In addition to the farm, Jan owned a dairy drive-in restaurant, a café and juice bar, and a video store. She was driven and excelled in every endeavour, including the Culinary Arts program at NAIT, much to the benefit of the community and her grandchildren.
A woman of faith and the heart of the Nixon family, Jan shaped their spirituality through her support and involvement with the Catholic church, and more importantly by her tireless example of what it truly means to be a servant of the Lord. Not only did she talk the talk, she walked the walk.
A mother to more than her own children, she and Keith took in many kids throughout the years and there are countless people who consider her their second mother. She never said no or turned anyone away. Without hesitation, her door was always open and even if it was 2 a.m., it was no trouble to "whip up" a quick five-course meal.
Jan's greatest treasure in her life were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was truly happiest when holding babies and her face would instantly light up at the sight of them.
The matriarch of our family, she embodied what it meant to be selfless, always putting everyone else first. Jan lived a life to be envied, a simple one of love and family. She was not afraid to stand up for what was right. She certainly will be fondly remembered in the communities of Mallaig, Vilna, Fort Saskatchewan and Burns Lake.
Jan was predeceased by her mother, Doris; father, Lawrence; brothers Gerry and Mark; sisters Yvonne and Theresa; and her special daughter-in-law, Tonya, as well as her mother-in-law, Edith and father-in-law, Kenneth, whom she loved very much.
Her siblings Larry (Barbara), Carol (Rob), Leanne (Richard) and Marcie (Danny) along with their children, carry Jan's memory in their hearts until they meet again.
Her memory will be cherished by her loving husband, Keith. Her children Darin (Donna); Angela (Kevin); Andrea (Rick); Trent; Colin; and Silas (Trish).
Her grandchildren Graham, Heather (Sam), Jocelyn, Devin (Kayla), Dylan (Chelsea), Tayler, Monique, Hilary, Megan, Katie, Zak, Danica, Brandon, Conor, Georgia, Darby, Owyn, Smith and Molly and her great grandchildren including Isla, Ellie, and River.
They say that what matters in this life is how you made people feel, and Jan made everyone feel loved. Her loss is profound, and her legacy will live on forever.
God Bless the Cook.
A Mass of Christian Burial tooke place on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11 am at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 10004 - 101 St. Fort Saskatchewan with Reverend Carlos Nunez, presiding.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riverviewfuneral.com for the NIXON family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Autism Canada Foundation in memory of Jan Nixon at https:// autismcanada.crowdchange.ca/1510/donate