JANET TOLTON

1958 - 2013

With sorrow in our hearts, we regret to announce the unexpected passing of our dear wife and mother, Janet Merrill Tolton, on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the age of 55 years.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Alana Johnson officiating. A private service followed at Taber Memorial Garden.
Besides her loving husband Dwight, Jan is survived by their two daughters Chelsea Tolton of Taber, Brittany Tolton of Lethbridge and as Jan like to put it, one spirit child, Angie (John) Fehr of Coaldale and their children (Jan’s grandbabies) Taya and Tysen. She is also survived by her father Robert Slawson of Westbank, British Columbia and her siblings Randy (Cindy) Slawson of Whitecourt, Cyndee Norton of Invermere, British Columbia and Bobi (Mitch) Purdy of Vancouver, British Columbia; her aunt Sandra Skeith of Taber and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her mother Gail Slawson and her aunt Sharon and uncle Gary Skeith.
Jan was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on March 7, 1958, the eldest daughter of Gail (nee Skeith) and Robert Slawson. Jan lived in numerous communities throughout British Columbia and in Alberta before settling in Lethbridge, where she met her future husband Dwight Tolton. On July 13, 1985, Janet married Dwight and made her roots on the farm north of Taber.
After receiving her PCA certification, Jan worked for Barons Eureka Warner and later the Taber Hospital for ten years. She was an advocate for the care and well being of others, especially children, the elderly and special needs. She acted as a voice for those who could not be heard. Jan took her kind and compassionate ways to the halls of the Vauxhall High School, where she worked as a Special Needs Assistant for eighteen years. She was active in the communities she lived in, particularly in the school network, acting as Parent Chair, leader for Safe and Caring committee, leader for student council and volunteering within the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball. In addition to her own children, Janet was a mother figure to so many over the years. She always took the time to give advice, compassion and the comfort of a hug when needed. Jan was an outgoing woman with a terrific sense of wit, wisdom and love. Those who met her were instantly drawn to her positive energy. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Janet’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7 (www.heartandstroke.ab.ca) or to the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball, Box 618, Vauxhall, Alberta T0K 2K0.