Janet Vivian Fowler

Janet Vivian Fowler on Monday, July 1, 2024 at the Carman Memorial Hospital in Carman, Manitoba.  Janet Fowler is mother to her son David Halligan whom she loved dearly.  She is predeceased by her parents George Raymond Fowler and Vivian Janet Fowler/Sundell.  She is survived by her son, her brother Alexander Robert Fowler, her sister Doris Florence Heaver, sister-in-law Judy Fowler and brother-in-law Grant Heaver.

Janet was born in Baldur, Manitoba on May 19, 1949. She grew up in this small town where she knew most everyone and had lots of family, good friends and adventures. Janet received her early education in Baldur and at St. Michael’s Academy in Brandon. She then moved to Winnipeg and completed her Bachlor of Education at the University of Manitoba. She taught for a few years in Winnipeg. Janet worked and lived in many places over the years and often sought out new adventures. 

After living with her first husband Dennis Burman near Anola MB she moved to Scotland in the mid-1980s where she made a new life for herself, staying 9 years.  She worked in hospitality, including bed and breakfast, bars and the jazz festivals in Edinburgh and there she met her second husband Ian Halligan. Janet, with Ian, moved back to Manitoba in the 1990s where their son David Halligan was born.  After a few years Ian returned to Scotland and Janet raised David on her own.

After Scotland, Janet and David first lived with Janet’s mother, Vivian, in Winnipeg and then she moved back to her hometown of Baldur where she lived in a rental house with David. There she wrote articles for the Baldur Gazette. David is autistic, and Janet dedicated herself to ensuring he received the best support and care available.  As David needed constant care, he was eventually moved to a Social Services group home setting where he remains today. 

In the late 1990s Janet purchased the original Fowler house in Baldur and for a time ran a bed and breakfast there.  She later moved to Carman, Manitoba, first living with a friend and eventually buying a house of her own in 2010.  Janet worked for many years at the Boyne Lodge personal care home in Carman providing recreational activities for the residents.  She also volunteered at the Thrift Shop, sang in the Carman choir and attended the Carman Active Living Centre gatherings.  Janet made many good friends in Carman, and her friends provided much appreciated caring support over recent months as Janet’s health faded, including being at her bedside at her passing.  The family sincerely thanks those friends and also the caring staff at the Carmen hospital.

Janet remained a dedicated mother to David for as long as she could. She arranged outings to his favourite places including the Aviation Museum and amusement parks with Ferris wheels.  Janet faithfully travelled from Carman to Winnipeg almost every week, on Tuesdays, for a visit, a treat and a puzzle with David and often bringing a gift for the group home staff.  Her Carman friends, and David’s care givers arranged a final visit for David and Janet at her home, in Carman, in June of 2024. David was the love of her life and he counted on her weekly visits.  She will be missed. 

Janet had a special place in her heart for the many dogs she cared for over the years, therefore memorial donations may be made in Janet’s memory to a humane society, or other charity of your choice.

Jamieson’s Funeral Services of Glenboro, Manitoba in care of the arrangements.  www.willmorchapel.com

Memorial service at the United Church in Baldur on Friday July 12, 2024 at 11:00 am to be followed by lunch at the Baldur Memorial Hall at noon.

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