Obituary of Janet Swanston Leighton

In the early morning of July 11, 2008, Janet (known to family and friends as Jess) peacefully passed away in the company of loved ones at Bow View Manor in Calgary. Jess was born on November 22, 1906 near Falkirk, Scotland to Robert and Janet Stevenson, the eldest child in a family of five children. In 1923, Jess immigrated with her father to Canada, settling in rural southern Alberta. Shortly thereafter they were joined by her mother, brothers, Robert and Steve; and sisters, Ella and Jean. Jess later took a job in Calgary where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Leighton, and they married in 1926. Together they had four children, Jean, Margaret, Robert (Joanne), and Janet (Fred). A devoted parent, Jess accompanied her husband throughout western Canada on his postings with the CPR, experiencing a happy and fruitful life in many prairie locales across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. In Wetaskiwin, AB, Jess became Worthy Matron of the local chapter of the Society of the Eastern Star. Bob and Jess retired in Calgary, where they enjoyed the company of family and many friends. Bob predeceased Jess in 1974, as did their daughter Jean in 1973. At the age of 95 years, Jess took her final trip home to her beloved Scotland. In 2006, she celebrated her 100th birthday in Calgary in true Scottish fashion, surrounded by her extended family. Jess is survived by Gerald Stevenson, three children, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Jess’ vivacious spirit, strength of character, and dedication to family shone to those who knew her. Jess, Mom, Grandma, and Nana – we’ll miss you and you will always be in our hearts. Memorial Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through . In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Children’s Cottage Society of Calgary, 845 McDougall Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 5A5, Tel: (403) 283-4274, . The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Bow View Manor for their kind and compassionate care. In living memory of Janet Leighton, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.