Janice Fay McFarland

MCFARLAND, Janice (nee Hadden) - our beloved wife, cherished Mum, adored Gramma and Aunt Jan has peacefully passed away on May 15, 2020, at an undisclosed age (her request!). Leave them guessing she always said. To say that Jan lived a full life is an understatement. Born in Verdun, Que growing up in Chambly, she had a tough childhood worthy of a Dickens novel. While she had 8 siblings that came and went throughout that time, she spent her early years with brothers David and Ernie and remained close throughout their lives. She re-established contact with her mother, Mabel and the rest of her siblings when she reached adulthood. Something that she cherished. Family was everything to her. Everything changed for the better when Jan met Earl on the base at St Hubert. After a whirlwind romance he whisked her away for the life of a RCAF wife to the likes of such hot spots as Cold Lake, Biloxi, Mississippi, St Bruno, Que. and Germany. Along the way, their four children were born. The frequent moves continued until they landed in Nova Scotia in the late 60’s, bouncing between Shearwater and Greenwood, NS and back again. Their house was always filled with scads of teenagers and young adults hanging out playing pool and continuous music, something Jan was happy about. She loved to say “I know where my children are”. They bought a cottage on Lake Pleasant in ’76. The ‘Lake’ was and is a very special place where the tradition of love and understanding continues through her grandchildren. Room was always made for whomever showed up. Jan loved to be surrounded by as many people as possible; the connection to family was constant and always welcome. Jan and Earl were avid curlers during the decades of their married life. Jan continued to play until quite recently…She never missed an opportunity to dress up for a bonspiel (or just a regular Tuesday). On the ice her Canadiens sweater, hat and pendant were legendary as was her “tickle trunk”. To say that Jan was an avid hockey fan will make most of you laugh out loud. She grew up in hockey town Montreal and “her '' Canadiens were also a part of her family. And the plethora of emblazoned pants, shirts (jerseys), earrings, etc. of the familiar Habs logo could be counted on for every special occasion. The fact that she married Earl, a staunch Leafs fan, is a testament to her forgiving nature and sweetness of character. Jan is survived by her loving husband Earl and her four children. Sons Robert (Andrea) and Michael McFarland; Dartmouth. Daughter Laurie and her children Erin (Alan), Janice (aka Coco) and Angeline (Amy); all of Wolfville. Daughter Karen Dodge and her “favourite” (only) son-in-law Donald, and their kids Jane (Eric) and Sam (Arissa), all of Dartmouth. Also her late sister Heather’s family, the Strackerjans; brother-in law Ingo (Cresel), niece Kristin (Styve) and nephew Lucas (Lauren), along with their kids Mabel, Oscar, Zachary, Emmeline and Freya. Special mention to her first favourite son-in-law Steven Gaudet and the entire Gaudet family who have been part of the McFarland clan since the early 70’s. There are many nieces and nephews that are very dear to her, as you would expect. Jan is also survived by sister Linda (Rob) Saunders and brother Mike, her sisters-in-law Ingrid and June. Jan is predeceased by her mother, Mabel; brothers David, Ernie, Terry, Stan and Bobby, sister Heather and nephew Terry Hadden. Special thanks to the staff at the Dartmouth General and Hospice Halifax especially Lori and Tara for the comfort and care they provided to Janice. A family goodbye has taken place and at some time in the future there will be a celebration of Jan’s life that will involve much dancing, hockey paraphernalia and dressing up. Donations in Jan’s honour can be made to the Hospice Halifax, the Alzheimer Society of NS or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com

June 2nd, 2020, Happy Anniversary Janifay;

It was 64 years ago today that I enjoyed the happiest day of my life. We got married in the Protestant Chapel at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Que not the RC Chapel as appeared on our wedding invitations (which the printer wouldn’t change unless we paid for a whole new set). We spent a whole evening inking in the correct address as time and money were not on our side. I believe there is a copy in Janice’s memoirs that I haven’t found yet. Our volunteer photographer took the official photographs of the ceremony and reception at the Officers Mesas with his brand new 35mm camera and was going to make slides available. That’s another story. Tip Taylor, from Windsor , NS luckily snapped a pic in front of the Officers Mess and that was the only photo that made it into history of this wonderful event. Following the reception my pilot and Best Man drove the handsome couple to Dorval Airport for our flight to St John ,NB to begin our honeymoon. I was able to point out Mt St Bruno , Mt St Hillaire and the Richeleau river as I sensed a little nervousness in the blushing bride. When we hit the New Brunswick border the fog bank precluded landing at St John and we landed at Fredericton. I’m sure on IFR limits. TCA provided a taxi to our destination ,the Admiral Beatty hotel, where we were given the Honeymoon Suite at no extra charge. Damn them New Brunswickers their almost as hospitable as Nova Scotians. After a frolicking night and breakfast we boarded the train for good ole Sussex, NB . “Trains, Planes and Automobiles” in reverse order. We were met at the train station by my mother in her new, to her, 1954 Vauxhaul which she had purchased herself from selling Avon products. My mother, Josephine, ( Jo) met Janice for the very first time an instantly fell in love with her. Janice, could have been the daughter that she had always hoped for. Mom had organized a “shiveree” for the newlyweds and the wedding gifts from strangers and friends of JO, filled boxes and boxes which we had to ship back to Montreal (St Lambert). A friend of my mom’s , Alice Folger, loaned us her cottage on Smith’s Creek for a week stay. We happily enjoyed our isolation . I did some trout fishing as Janice got used to her new surroundings. Caught three “big ones”. We had an ice box dug deep in the ground with a wooden cover in which to store our perishables, ice block was already there. After the cottage sojourn Mom and Dad once again gave up their double bed for the happy couple. My Dad told me that I had made a wise choice, saying that Janice was a lovely girl and that I should take good care of her. Fatherly advice that I heeded well.. Brother Art was enticed with her beauty and wondered how I became so lucky. After a train trip, CPR to St. Lambert, we settled into our new basement apartment and enjoyed the comfort of our new bed, which is still in use to this day. Different mattresses though. Happy Anniversary my darling, I shall cherish the happy memories that we shared, always.

“You are the “Wind Beneath My Wings”.