Obituary of Janet Elizabeth TOLLEFSON

January 6, 1954 – Tulsa, Oklahoma October 27, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta Jan passed away in Calgary, Alberta on October 27, 2015 at the age of 61 having battled brain cancer since May 2012. Jan was born on January 6, 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1956, the family moved to Edmonton and then, in 1967, to Calgary. Jan attended Queen Elizabeth High School and the University of Calgary where she earned her BSc and MD at the age of 22 years. Jan worked for seven years as an Emergency Physician at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. She earned a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences at University of British Columbia and certified in Community Medicine. Jan then worked at the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control in Ottawa as a field epidemiologist. Having dreamed of working in the developing world, in 1998, Jan volunteered for Orphanage Outreach in the Dominican Republic. She fell in love with the country and found it a joy to become fluent in Spanish. With the generous support of donors, board members, faith groups and Rotary Clubs, “Canada Jan” through the charity she created, Add Your Light Charitable Foundation, worked on dozens of projects including biosand water filters, LED solar lighting systems, schools, latrines, and microcredit for business development. She also assisted people in Cuba, Haiti, Columbia, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Jan faced many challenges but met them all with determination, optimism, and courage. She will be fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched and will be deeply missed. Jan is survived by her mother, Jean Tollefson (nee Andrews); sisters, Beverley (Manfred Delong) and Susan (Renndy Leniczek); niece Amanda Delong (Mark Raheja); nephew Andrew Delong (Lily Whitehead-Delong); nieces Jenna Leniczek and Erica Leniczek; as well as her great-nieces, Maren Raheja and Madeline Delong. Jan was predeceased by her father, Professor Eric Lars Tollefson. A Memorial Service will be held at Parkdale United Church (2919 – 8th Avenue N.W.) on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. where Jan was an active member. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. E. Knight of Ottawa, Dr. M. Hamilton, Dr. J. Easaw and team at Tom Baker Cancer Centre, the AHS Palliative Care team, as well as Dr. R. Sharma and Dulcina Hospice staff for their kindness and skilled care. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Parkdale United Church (Calgary) Foundation (2919 – 8 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1C8) or First United Church Community Ministry Society (320 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P4). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Jan Tollefson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW. Telephone: 403-241-0044.