March 10, 1955 – June 10, 2022
With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of Jan Halderman at the age of 67 after a 20-month battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Janice Faye Halderman (nee Benson) was born in 1955 in Frontier, Saskatchewan and grew up learning the importance of hard work and serving community alongside her parents and four siblings on their family farm near Bracken. In 1975 Jan moved to Calgary after studying Secretarial Sciences in Moose Jaw. She met the love of her life, Len Halderman, shortly thereafter when her best friend arranged for Len to drive her home for a visit. Jan and Len married in Saskatoon in 1977. They built their house in Calgary in 1978 and together they turned their house into a welcoming home.
Jan had a deeply satisfying career at Gulf Canada where her dedication to her work and deep connection to her colleagues formed relationships and memories that she spoke about for the rest of her life.
Jan chose to leave a career she loved to raise her family, welcoming Melissa and Amanda into the world with selfless love in 1985 and 1988. Jan’s proudest accomplishment was her two daughters and the last 37 years of her life were centered around ensuring she was always available – teaching, encouraging, and cheering at every step along the way. In 2012 Jan was proud to officially welcome Steven Hillsden into the family as her son.
Jan’s passion for working saw her through to the next chapter of her career, devoting herself to serving the children and staff of Guy Weadick and Annie Foote Elementary Schools. We loved hearing Jan share stories of the fun and mischief as her eyes crinkled, reliving her joy which far outweighed any work frustrations. She looked for the good in everything and everyone.
Jan leaves to mourn her husband, Len; her children Melissa (Steven) and Amanda; her brothers Elwood (Doreen) Benson, Bryan (Mary) Benson, and her sister Colleen (Bruce) Johnston; as well as countless in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Ruth and Elmer Benson, and her oldest sister Margaret Norlander.
Jan was a best friend to many, a competitive card player, an excellent host, and the best mom and wife we could ask for. As a family we are grateful for all the memories Jan orchestrated – there are way more than we could begin to share here. A celebration of life will be planned in her honour later this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Pancreatic Cancer Canada in Jan’s name. http://donate.pancreaticcancercanada.ca/site/TR/Events/General?px=1193399&pg=personal&fr_id=1461
11 Comments
My sincere condolences to Len and the Halderman and Benson families. I have many good memories of school days with Janice.
With deepest condolences to Len, Melissa, Steven and Amanda and to all of Jan’s family and friends. We were so happy to meet Len and Jan in 1979, as neighbours, building our first homes, yards and decks. Especially the decks, right Len!? We immediately became friends. We were all raised on farms in Saskatchewan, headed to Calgary for the big city jobs and life, and had many of the same values. We have stayed in touch “forever”. If Jan loved something, she did not see a reason to change it up – like her home, friends, Len and her dining room suite. ( insert Jan’s laugh here). We will miss hearing her laugh and we will forever remember her smiling face, sparkling eyes, mischievous grin and her warm hugs. RIP our dear friend, until we meet again. May you find joy in the many memories Jan left you.
Thank you Debra!
I would wager that there has never been a dining room table that has had so much love brought to it as this one that you are referencing. It was definitely a focal point and utilized continuously through the years. Jan put great effort and focus on detail in all aspects of her life but the dining room table was certainly a specialty of hers.
Len and Family,
My deepest condolences to you all. I hope your memories of Jan will bring comfort in the days to come. Thinking of you
Thank you Spencer!
Thank you Coralie!
We are so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and neighbour and we have many happy memories of times spent with Len and Jan over the years. We will never forget her lovely dinners, her kindness, that lovely smile and those wonderful dimples! Rest in peace dear Jan, you will stay in our hearts forever.
Thank you for your thoughts! Jan always liked to tell of David coming across the street, coming into our house and helping himself to the cracker drawer that was at just his height. She got such a kick out of that! Yes we had great times and are still in touch with the Laurents. Debra was here to visit this year again. Call when you are able. Hugs.
You and Jan always made your home a very welcoming place and David still remembers his visits. Forty years later and he can still describe the hanging chairs in the basement and says to tell you that your home was a special memory.
Irene
We are so sad to hear of Jan’s passing. She was a wonderful neighbour and a good friend and we have many sweet memories of time shared with Len and Jan over the years. Her kindness and lovely smile will not be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to Len and family.
Sincerely
John and Irene Mercer
I will truly miss her , Jan will always have a place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers to everyone that knew her. I was a parent volunteer and then helped in the office with Jan and Janet at Annie foot elementary. Her heart of gold and sense of humour will never be forgotten 💞💔💞