Janet Elizabeth Servant

Age 63 of Halifax, died peacefully with family at her side on June 25, 2016. Born in Halifax on January 9, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Phyllis Servant. Janet is survived by immediate family: supportive brothers, Gregory (Kathryn) and Stuart (Dorothy); wonderful, caring nephew Matthew (Julie) Servant, Texas; beautiful, caring nieces Emily Servant, Halifax and Jennifer (Adam) Crane, Halifax; grandnieces Madeline and Adelia Servant (my special little dancers), Texas, Danielle Mitchell and Ava Crane, Halifax; three dear cousins, Anne and Bob Brobyn, Ontario, Hugh MacGregor, Amherst; and former husband and musical friend, Peter Dunn, Halifax.

Janet loved being a lifelong student, especially in her passion for the French language and culture. She attended Westmount School and Queen Elizabeth High. At Dalhousie University, she received a B.A. First Class Honours in French and a B.Ed. in French. She spent an academic year in France where she earned the Diplôme d’études françaises with Honours from L’Institut de Touraine, l’Université de Tours. While there she made several French friends with whom she communicated over the years. Janet taught elementary and high school French before pursuing a Master of Library and Information Studies at Dalhousie that led to her jobs at DalTech, Eastern Shore High and finally a dream job at Halifax West High, teaching research skills to French Immersion, IB and English students. She retired in 2013 and volunteered with the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in a variety of jobs. She was a Member of L’Alliance Française. Janet’s love of French took her with Peter to many trips to Montreal, Quebec and two marvelous trips to France.

Janet’s true gift and passion was dance – she was born to dance - for her dancing truly was like “poetry in motion.” Studying ballet and tap as a child was pure fun, but in her late teens and onward she was a serious student of Jane Edgett as well as Ballroom and Latin American, winning championships in these happy years. She danced with Pat Richards’ Renaissance troupe, Kathy Edgett in jazz, and had seven fun years as a dancer in the N.S. International Tattoo. In recent years, Argentinian Tango became so peaceful and enjoyable. She also worked as a volunteer tango dancer with Martina and Lorne Buick’s wonderful teaching class for Parkinson’s patients.

She also loved to sing, especially in choral groups. She joined the Armdale Chorus at age 16, led by Mary Dee Gerrior; sang with former Dalhousie Chorale; Les Voix d’Acadie; the Symphony Choir; and most recently Dalhousie Colloqium Cantorum.

Janet cherished her family and loved their get-togethers. Each family member was very special to her with their talents and loving ways. They supported her through her illness with cancer in their love and generosity. Janet had fondness for her many friends, who kept her spirits up with visits and talks by phone, email and little café times. I cherish each and every one – you know who you are! They always listened and helped her stay peaceful until the end. Thanks for recent special visits from long-time friends Sandra Lowman and Anne Brobyn, both from Ontario.

A life well lived. “Je ne regrette rien.”

Family would like to thank the VG 5A; Gynecologic Oncology Team; Dr. Scott, Palliative Team; Devon, VON; and Chaplin Adele Crowell.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m., June 30, 2016 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Dr. Halifax, Rev. Jim Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Halifax Central Library (French collection). On-line condolences may be made by visiting: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com