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Janie Buchanan

Janie Buchanan

BUCHANAN - Born Eliza Jane, third child born to Thomas and Delilah Childerhose of Hastings County, Manooth, Ontario. Janie passed away at Providence Place with her faithful daughter Velma Sutherland, grandson Kevin Sutherland and granddaughter Dianne Whitehead by her side. Predeceased by siblings Olive, Myrtle, Lenna, Hubert & Ruby, her husband Charles Howey (1952), second husband Gilbert Buchanan (1975), son Vic Howey; sons-in-law: Cliff Sutherland and Ken Maxwell, daughter-in-law Maxine Howey, grandson Brian Sutherland; grandsons-in-law: Garry Seip and Calvin Whitehead; great-great grandsons: Deshien Seip and infant Lucas Ing. Grandma leaves a century of memories for her surviving four children: Velma Sutherland, Dale Howey, June Maxwell and Ken Howey (Donna); brother-in-law Fred Dietrich, her 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren and many more nieces and nephews. Grandma was three years old when the family left Ontario, travelling by train to Swift Current, Sask. then south by horse and wagon to their prairie homestead in the beautiful hills of the Buffalo Horn district, twenty-some miles south of Ponteix. Grandma learned at a very early age to "learn fast' and "make the best of the situation". Barely a teen, she was often called on to help out with neighbour families when babies were born, to do cooking, housework and care for the younger children. Once it included the husband giving her a quick lesson on making bread, as the mothers stayed in bed for ten days with their newborn. Grandma grew up in a very musical family and could write out the notes from listening to songs on the radio, then giving them to her brother and sister to play at dances. The day before grandma died, Andy's Combo was playing at Providence Place and to the astonishment of staff and family, and grandma raised her arm and began keeping time to the music. Other hobbies included knitting, crocheting and sewing. No doubt, these skills developed while raising her children during the 1930 depression years. Other family members from California would send used clothing to grandma and she would spend hours taking garments apart, making patterns and sewing clothing by hand for her children. After grandpa died, grandma re-married and they moved to Moose Jaw. It was now city-life and time to enter the work-force at near age 50. Her years working with the "girls" at the Army & Navy were her favorite and most memorable years. Retiring at age 65 did not really mean retiring for grandma. She then went on to work at Valley View Centre in the nursery, caring for the handicapped babies. Grandma was always ready to go somewhere or do something at the first invite. Whether camping with June and Ken or going to Cliff and Velma's farm. Donning her long-sleeved shirts, gloves and sun hats she was ready to pitch in. She was often teased about having a packed suitcase behind the door in case someone asked her to go somewhere. Broader trips took her to Alaska, Hawaii, England and Ireland. You may ask, "how does one live to almost 104?" Grandma read her bible every day, until poor vision prevented it. She still walked 12 blocks a day until age 98. She kept up her daily beauty ritual of Nivea cream, well-kept hair, lipstick and jewelry. She loved fudge, a bag of potato chips, a glass of beer and Danielle Steele novels. She was friend and confidante to everyone and never had a harsh word to say to anyone. She had her sons-in-law on pedestals and adored her daughters-in-law. "We are so blessed to have been able to call you Mom and Grandma". At Janie’s request, there will not be a funeral service. Following cremation, private family memorialization will take place at a later date. In living memory of Janie, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).

 

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