Obituary of Janet Thomson

The family of Janet (Burns) Thomson announce her peaceful passing, which occurred on June 18, 2016 at Northwood Manor, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Born in Paisley, Scotland on March 11, 1926, she was the eldest daughter of the late Henry and Anna Burns. Janet traveled extensively throughout her married life, living in several countries including Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland and Nigeria. After immigrating to Canada in 1956 with her husband and young family, she settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, then Sydney, N.S.; Fredericton, and eventually Saint John, N.B. For the past several years she had lived near her family in Windsor, N.S. For much of her life Janet was very active in the United Church of Canada, local food banks, soup kitchens, visiting the elderly and doing volunteer work at the Saint John Regional Hospital. In her spare time, she was an avid reader and gardener. She loved conversation and the company of people, especially entertaining her family and friends in her home. In spite of frequent moves, Janet had a gift of keeping in touch with old friends and a great capacity to meet new ones. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy to her. Janet is survived by her son, Allan, of Saint John, N.B.; daughter, Ann Knowles, of Windsor, N.S.; and son, Ian, of the Falkland Islands; seven grandchildren, Jamie, Julie, Jillian, Calvin Knowles (Amanda Peers), Jessica Knowles (Rob Burke), Andy (Alisha) Knowles, and Katie (Andrew) Howie; nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Marion Cadenhead, Woodhouse Eaves, England; son-in-law, Mike Knowles, of Avondale, N.S.; her special sister-in-law, Margaret Burns, of Irvine, Scotland; as well as several nieces and nephews in the UK. Janet was predeceased by her husband, William; and brothers, Harry and Peter Burns. Cremation has taken place with no visitation by request. A memorial service will be held at Avondale United Church at Newport Landing, Hants County, Nova Scotia on Friday, June 24, 2016 at 2:00 PM, Rev. Kevin Cox officiating, with a reception to follow at the home of Michael Knowles, 558 Avondale Road; all are welcome. Family flowers only; donations in memory of Janet may be made to the Salvation Army Maritime Divisional Headquarters, 330 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS, B3R 1V4, or the Avondale United Church, c/o Sheila Robarts, 600 Avondale Road, RR 2 Newport, Hants Co., N.S., B0N 2A0. Arrangements have been entrusted to J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, Hwy 215, Summerville, ph-1-902-633-2431 or please visit our website at www.allenfh.ca to sign the guest book or send private condolences.