THOMPSON, (Starratt) Janet Sylvia Shirley – age 81 of Middleton, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, January 20, 2018 in the Heart Of The Valley Long Term Care Centre, Middleton where she spent the last 41/2 years of her life, Mom embraced death as she lived life, with grace, dignity and love. Born December 20, 1936 in Bishopville, NS she was the daughter of the late Charles Havelock and Lena Evelyn (Harvey) Starratt. Mom was a woman of faith, with many talents, interests and a love of learning; even returning to school to study secretarial in her thirties. Her hands were always busy; cooking, baking, quilting, sewing, needlework, knitting and her passion which was painting. She loved spending time with family and friends at her cottages. Mom, the thirteenth child of fourteen, always had an understanding of those less fortunate and helped others whenever she was able. Her interests had her involved in many different organizations over her lifetime. She was a member of the Windsor Jaycettes, Windsor and Middleton Curling Clubs, founder and member of the 14th Palette in Fall River, an honourary member of the Annapolis Valley Decorative Artists, a charter member of the United Church Women’s UCW and a member of the Junior Womens’ Association in Hantsport, as well as those organizations of the United Church, Windsor Junction. She was also a founding member of the Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, Middleton and served as an Elder for several years. She was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mom loved people; was a wonderful storyteller which led her to be involved in her school theatre. She worked with handicapped children and worked at the Payzant Hospital in Windsor in the physiotherapy department. Later in her life, she founded and started Valley Introduction Services, the first of its kind in the Annapolis Valley. Janet is survived by her loving husband John Thompson; daughter Crystal (Tim) Maxner of Canning; sons Richard McClair of Sackville, NS and Jeffrey McClair of Rawden, NS; her step-daughter Nancy (Yvon) Belliveau of Kentville; the pride and joy of her life her grandchildren including, her granddaughters Brittany and Savannah Maxner, Canning and her grandson Michael McClair of Halifax; step-grandchildren Ian and Claire Belliveau of Kentville. Janet was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by sisters, Ceva, Dora, Nina, Woodforn “Honey”, Lily-Mae, Alwen and Irma and brothers Ralph, Charles “Bus”, Victor, Star and Herman. In keeping with Janet’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 27th at the Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, 37 Gates Ave., Middleton, with Pastor Sweis Ubels and Rev. Dr. Bill McDougall officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow the service. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations in memory may be made to Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, the Heart of the Valley Long Term Care Recreation Fund or the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Saxon, the nurses and staff of the Heart of the Valley for all the loving, compassionate and wonderful care they gave to Janet and also to special friends Myrna Pulsifer and Eleanor DeWolfe. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., 902-825-3448. Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com

“To all my beautiful grandchildren...You were the joy of Nana’s life. When you think of me, think of the wonderful, funny and fun things that we did. Follow your dreams, embrace whatever life may bring and always know that I am with you”