Obituary of Jan Truss

Jan Truss

May 3, 1925 – February 22, 2022

Jan Truss, born Jean Degg in Staffordshire, UK (daughter of William and Catherine Degg) was aptly described as a force of nature by her friends, family and colleagues. She died at her country home near Water Valley, Alberta on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the age of 96 years.

An award-winning author, Jan taught literature, art and music to students in Alberta before she began writing her own stories.  In 1972 she won the Alberta Search for a Novelist competition with “Bird at the Window”.  “A Very Small Rebellion” was her second novel, originally published in 1977, and her third novel, “Jasmin”, won the Ruth Schwartz Award. Her other novels include” Summer Goes Riding”, “Red” and “Peter’s Moccasins”. Her short stories have appeared in such magazines as Redbook, Chatelaine, on CBC radio, and in various collections.

As Jan wrote in her book “Paper Bird” – 
“I watched the silent moon passing and whispered over and over my first Latin word, that verb – renascor, renascor – thinking I understood what it truly meant for me, my forever.”

Renascor is a Latin verb meaning to be reborn. May she fly like the phoenix from the ashes!

Jan Truss is survived by her son Martin Truss, daughter Sally V. Truss; grandchildren Fraser Dobson and Cassidy Fraser; and great-grandchildren Charlie and Artie Fraser.  Jan was predeceased by her husband, Donald Truss in 1988.

As per Jan’s wishes no formal services will be held. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Jan Truss, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.