Janet Marlene Clark

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Marlene Clark (nee Price), beloved wife of Andrew Scott Burgess of Calgary, on Friday, May 1, 2015 at the age of 63 years.

Janet was born in Winnipeg on October 25, 1951. She grew up in Emerson, MB, where her parents operated the local general store. Following high school, she attended Mayville State College in North Dakota. She also lived briefly in the State of New York, and in Zweibrücken, Germany, for a few years. Returning to Winnipeg in 1977, Janet worked at the University of Manitoba Dafoe Library. Also in that year, she met her husband, Drew, and together they moved to Calgary in 1979. Janet and Drew’s home bordered Fish Creek Park, where she enjoyed walking, watching for wildlife, and became an avid birder.

Janet worked at the Calgary Public Library for 34 years. Most of this time was spent at the Central Library, 5th Floor, with her last three years at the Saddletown Branch. During these years, Janet made many long-lasting and dear friendships. She enjoyed travelling with her sister and family on their many road trips, from coast to coast in Canada and throughout the United States. Janet also enjoyed many travels with her friend, Diane and daughter Janna, most notably to Austria and Germany in 2005. Closer to home, she loved the many weekend trips to Banff, where she shared her love of hiking through the Rockies with Drew.

Janet had a particular expertise for style and was often asked by friends for her fashion advice, or to design and decorate their homes. She was most happy when she was helping people. She also liked watching football, especially the CFL and the Stampeders, and professional golf.

Janet is survived by her husband Drew; aunt Linda Rodewald (nee Streick); sister Lorraine Reinfort (Ernie); sister-in-law Dr. Ellen Burgess; nieces Breanne Reinfort, Christine Reinfort (Sean), Kate Larking (Tonya), Janna Wirringer, and nephew Ian Burgess; grandnephew Landon George; her friend of many years Diane Wirringer; and many dear cousins and special friends. Janet was predeceased by her father Bruce in 1984, and her mother Noreen (nee Streick) in 2009. Janet will be remembered for her kind, gentle, and giving nature.

A special thanks to Brittany George for her gentle care while Janet was at home and in hospice. Our sincere gratitude to the staff at the Southwood Care Centre Hospice for their compassionate care.

In Calgary, a Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway’s Fish Creek Chapel on Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 2:00pm. In living memory of Janet, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 12:00pm at the Emerson Cemetery.  Those wishing to attend the service are asked to gather at the New Horizons Centre, 106 Church St., in Emerson, MB, at 11:30am for the procession to the Cemetery.  Following the graveside service there will be a light lunch served at the New Horizons Centre.

Memorial tributes may be made in Janet’s name to a charity of your choice.

When we die, we will turn into songs,

and we will hear each other and remember each other.

 - Rob Sheffield

Thank you to McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes in Calgary, and Wiebe Funeral Home Altona Ltd., for their professional and considerate care.