Our friend and sister, Jan, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 68. Jan died doing exactly what she loved to do, working tirelessly on the promotion and celebration of our municipality, our town, and our community. The only two things that would have made her happier would have been leaving us while on the golf course or beside a pool in Mexico with a Margarita in her hand. Jan Anderson was born in London and attended high school in Dorchester and the University of Waterloo for Kinesiology. Jan met her husband, Albert Hawley (deceased 1994), in London and the two spent many happy winters in Hawaii, eventually ending up in Huron County to the benefit of us all.
Jan’s passion for all aspects of heritage was evident in her career as well as her favourite hobbies. Deb, her much loved sister, often acted as research assistant, chauffeur, and gopher in “all things Jan”.
Families come in all shapes and sizes. In Jan’s case, her immediate family was small, but combined, her work, social, and community families were enormous. To include as many people as possible during a difficult time, we welcome all to join on the sides of Jan’s beloved Historic Main Street of Seaforth (south of Goderich Street) on Monday, March 22nd at 1 PM for Jan’s final farewell. As Jan goes by please give her a wave! Doo – Doo- Doo- Lookin’ Out Your Front Door! We ask you respect and maintain Provincial guidelines regarding social distancing.
For those who can not join us in person, we invite you to join in Jan’s farewell live at 1 PM or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
A celebration of Jan’s life will be held at the Seaforth Golf Club, 42990 Front Road, Seaforth on Saturday, July 31st from 1 -5 PM, with a toast to Jan’s life and all of her accomplishments at 2:30 PM. Please RSVP to Debra Anderson, debradsa@gmail.com, if you wish to attend.
Jan’s sudden passing has left a multitude of friends, colleagues, and associates, in tears of both sadness and laughter as they remember their time spent with her.
In Jan’s name, donations to the Huron Hospice or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Deborah Delyea
So sorry for your loss,she will be greatly missed
Susann Jones
I met Jan when she was working on the Seaforth Grange Hall project which featured the
painted doors in 2013 I think. She was very generous and supportive to the artists.
I will miss her.
Frank R Palen
To the Family of Jan Hawley
I worked with Jan for many years while I was a member & Chair of the HMA and remember her as a dedicated promoter of businesses. Truly a great loss for Huron County. I will miss her.
Cheryl Ann & Troy St. Onge & family
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Jan’s family and friends. Jan was an extraordinary woman that demonstrated compassion and perseverance through her actions to our community. Our family had the privilege to be part of “Jan’s vision” and we are proud that we were. Jan will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers to all.
Cheryl Ann, Troy, Mary Paige, Irelyn & Griffin St. Onge
Rick Hundey
Dear Deb
I am so sorry for your loss. We have not met but may I say a couple of things about your sister? I am retired now from community volunteer work but was a colleague of your sister’s in that regard for 20 years or so. While you will have heard similar sentiments already, it perhaps is okay to say again that Jan was one of those special people who brightened a room with her personality and who found ways to get things done with a can-do attitude. It was wonderful sharing a conference table or an afternoon coffee break with her. Some people make a big difference – that was your Jan.
My wife, Jane, remembers Jan fondly too.
Take good care.
Sincerely, Rick Hundey
Kim Brindley
Dear Deb, I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing! I have such great memories with Jan from our time together at the spa. Not only was she a client, she became more like a friend. We had a lot of laughs and I enjoyed hearing her golf stories. I remember when she started to learn how to golf and how excited she would get from her accomplishments. She had an excitement about her that could just make you become excited. She always had a smile on her face and was such a joy to be around. Hopefully you can have comfort in all of the good memories you have had together. Hugs!
Brent and June Day
Dear Debra, family and friends,
We were saddened to hear of Jan’s sudden passing. Our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your loved one.
Jan lived life to the max; an indomitable spirit who saw opportunities rather than obstacles. Among the many projects that she championed, one dear to our hearts, was the Seaforth Veterans’ Banners project which paid proud tribute to past and present military veterans.
Jan will be missed by so many, but her legacy will live on.
Colleen R. Maguire
My deepest sympathies to her sister Deb, her family and Jan’s many, many friends. I am so profoundly saddened by Jan’s passing. She was always so enthusiastic, cheery and full of great ideas. I got to know her first when she was the “face” of the Maitland Marina, riding around in her golf cart Hawley Hawk (sp?). I would always look for her every time I was down at my sailboat and we’d have a little chat. I remember how excited she was about the discovery of the Wexford wreck in 2000. Each year she had a standing invitation to read the scriptures at the Knox Church Mariners’ Service. She’d read them with such emphasis, and meaning. She would also tap into her great network to promote that remembrance service far and wide. She always booked it for the next year and I’ll bet if you check her schedule it is already written in for 2022. Someone else wrote that, “she drove ’til the wheels came off.” It made me laugh as I said to myself, “So true.” I can’t believe she is gone but she will never be forgotten.
Larry and Dianne McGrath
To Jan’s family we extend our sincere condolences. Jan’s bigger than life presence and enthusiasm will be missed by her many friends, colleagues and ratepayers of Huron East, the community she loved. Our thoughts are with you.
Diane Proper
Jan was so full of life. Her upbeat attitude and tireless work for our community can never be duplicated. I met Jan when she featured the grand opening of my photo studio in Vanastra. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I was in shock when I read of her passing. She will be in a lot of hearts and minds for a lot of years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. xoxo
Brad Knight
Deb:
Jan has been with us at the Municipality of Huron East since 2008. She brought a level of dedication and enthusiasm for both her position and the Municipality of Huron East that is hard to match. We will certainly miss her presence both in the Town Hall and throughout the Municipality of Huron East. Brad Knight
The Wilbee Family
Our deepest sympathy to Deb and all those who’s lives Jan has touched. She was a kind and giving person always willing to help others.
Rob and Sheryl Evans
We are saddened by the sudden loss of the wonderfully innovative and irreplaceable Jan Hawley. She was an exceptional champion and leader for all things she valued. She was also a good and endearing friend, and will be deeply missed by sister Deb and all who knew her. It was my privilege to have been able to work with her and also to enjoy her friendship over many years. She was a one – of – kind caring and talented person who has left us too soon.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Joanne Walters
I was so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. She was the most energetic, positive and enthusiastic volunteer I ever worked with. Each year I would call on her to participate in the Mariners’ Service at Knox Goderich and she always responded that she would be delighted. She would read a scripture passage in her good, clear, strong voice which she rehearsed in advance so, as she said, she could put the right emphasis in the right places. Being Jan, she always went the extra mile. She helped promote our service to the wider community of Huron and one year she even designed a lovely poster for us. She helped with display items & using her many connections to put us in contact with others who could help. Jan never did anything “half way”. Putting on her other hat in promoting Huron East, she added me to her mailing list for her newsletter which I really enjoyed reading. I marveled at all the things she was doing & the many awards won in doing them — well deserved. I would say rest in peace dear Jan but I know she is probably tirelessly promoting & organizing everything in heaven!
John Kiser
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Jan. I always referred to Jan as “The Cheerleader of Huron East”. She was always so enthusiastic about her local community, especially Seaforth, and promoted it 24/7. Jan was a wonderful person with a huge heart, a bright smile, and she had the tenacity to get things done. She always saw the positive side of people and had the energy of someone half her age. She spoke with passion and conviction and had a kind word for everyone. Jan will be sorely missed by many people in Huron County and elsewhere and most of all by me. It was a pleasure knowing you Jan, you left us way too soon but at least you didn’t suffer. As much as this is a tragedy, she was doing what she loved the most, working at her desk, supporting the people of Huron East, when she passed.
Jim & Lois Lee
To us she was Jan Hawleywood, always supportive and inspirational with our small cafe in Brussels. She leaves a space in Huron East that will be hard to fill.
Rest well, dear friend.
Dorothy Cummings
We must all pass on but some we are not ready for. Jan was a very special person. I had the privilege of knowing her for many years and worked on several projects with her. I will miss her energy and smile. My sincerest condolences.
Bob Carey
Sad news, we met and became good friends with Jan at Maitland Valley Marina. Jan had untiring energy. Her devotion to the community inspired all who met her. Jan was instrumental in starting and organizing numerous events of the Goderich Marine Heritage Committee. Dearly missed, condolences. Barb & Bob Carey, Eagle ON
Helen McNaughton
My deepest sympathy to Deb and all those who knew and loved Jan. As I walk through “Jan’s Alley” with it’s beautiful wall mural, pretty bicycles and colourful doors I will always remember her sense of community, her enthusiasm and passion for making Huron East a better place.
RIP Jan. You will be so missed.
Jim, Catherine & Brian Landsborough
We have known Jan for a few years now and consider our time with her to have been a gift. She was a dedicated leader, a champion , a role model, a friend, an encourager and just all around great person. Jan lived for today and always had hope for the future. She was one in a million.
Jami & Barb Caldwell
Dear Deb and friends,
Seaforth lost a good one today!!! You can’t go down Main Street without seeing ways she has influenced our community. Jan will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Our thoughts are with everyone at this sad time.
Sid and Mona Bruinsma
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jan’s sudden passing. Our condolences to her sister Deb, who she often spoke of during our conversations, we will keep you in our prayers. We first met Jan when we kept our boat at Maitland Valley Marina and stayed in touch even after she left that position. She had a wonderful drive to get things accomplished and such enthusiasm for life in general. She will be missed by everyone who’s life she touched.
Kylie Hendriks
My deepest condolences to Jan’s family and friends. Jan was truly one of the most dedicated and altruistic people I will ever know. She was my biggest cheerleader, and always had the ability to make me feel like I was special, talented and important. I know that I have Jan to thank for many of my successes in life, and she has contributed significantly to the person I am today. Some believed that Jan was a dreamer, but she knew that with hard work she could make those dreams a reality. Her positivity touched the lives of many, and her vision came to life to make our small communities in Huron East more colourful and remarkable. To say that she will be truly missed is an understatement! I know that her zest for life will live on in the people she inspired, and for that I am extremely grateful.
Nancy Ross
I am very saddened to hear of Jan’s sudden passing. I had the privilege to work with Jan on
a number of her community projects. She was truly inspiring as her ideas and possibilities of
what could be were endless. She was passionate about and dedicated to community development
and it shone through everything she said and did.
My sincere sympathy to Deb and all of Jan’s many friends.
The Peever Family
Our deepest sympathies to Deb and all those that were fortunate enough to be Jan’s friends. Jan had limitless energy and passion. She had a unique ability to connect with people and to make our customers at Maitland Valley Marina and Resort Homes feel welcomed and special. Jan drew in transient boaters with her enthusiasm and love for the area. Any boater that visited us during Jan’s tenure , was a repeat customers because of Jan. Not only did Jan’s devotion to our community and enthusiasm for all things heritage enhance our relationships with our customers but she also strengthened our personal and professional relationships with the people and Town of Goderich, Jan was a driving force behind our businesses and her marketing strategies, community connections and relationships were instrumental to our growth.
We were fortunate to be a part of Jan’s life when her dear husband Al was alive. Their love for each other was evident and they both brought each other such joy.
Jan’s had such a big heart and was so giving with her time. Her passing is a big loss to the community and she will be greatly missed by all, especially by us at Maitland Valley!
The Peever Family and Maitland Valley Marina and Trailer Park customers/friends
Huron Manufacturing Association
On behalf of the membership of the Huron Manufacturing Association, the Board of Directors extends our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Jan Hawley.
Dianne and David Diehl
To Jan and Deb family and friends. My deepest sympathy to so many who knew and were blessed enough to call Jan Friend. Jan’s energy and enthusiasm for everything she touched, will always be a reminder of how she loved this community and all those she helped.
We will miss you deeply Jan. Rest easy my friend.
Carol Leeming
Words cannot express how much we will all miss you Jan!
I first met you when you came to work at the Huron Business Centre as you were in the process of changing career directions.
I will always remember your bright determination and passion for positive change, your relentless courage for trying new projects and of course your stylish and colourful eyeglasses !!
Rest In Peace my friend.
Barb Dalrymple
My sincere condolences to Deb and all of Jan’s friends. Jan was an inspiration to many. She was a great co-worker and friend who has left a huge footprint on the municipality of Huron East. She will be greatly missed!
Marie Van Dorp
Condolences to Deb and all of the people that were fortunate to know Jan. I met Jan 30 + years ago in Bayfield. Her job and my job allowed us to intermingle just about everyday. We became fast friends and that friendship continued until she was suddenly taken away from us. Jan gave 100%, no 110% in everything she did and she was so passionate and enthusiastic in getting a project underway or helping someone. She will be so greatly missed by everyone. Rest up my friend. Your next project awaits. M.
Cathy Elliott
My friend, Jan was a true force of nature. Her abstract random side imagined amazing projects and her concrete sequential side completed the details to successful completion. Jan soldiered on when unkind words and actions were directed at her, making her stronger and more determined. I am so fortunate to have had Jan in my life as a friend and cohort in many community projects. Jan came into my life and left footprints on my heart. I sincerely hope that everyone has an opportunity to have a Jan Hawley in their life. God speed, my friend. Please know that Debra and Izzy are in good hands.
Tammy Martene
My heartfelt sympathy to Deb, Jan’s friends and co workers
Jan will truly be missed by everyone who knew her. She had such passion for her job and did wonderful things to put Huron East on the map. I will cherish our many memories.
Heaven has gained an amazing angel, and I can just imagine Jan will be a ‘busy angel’ , with all her ideas!
Rest In Peace my friend
Diana and Steve Steep
Jan, we will miss you so much. Your smile and the greatest supporter of our community I’ve ever seen. You were always a huge support both personally and the Town of Seaforth for Sam and his curling team. Your support for our community was like no other.
Mark Beaven
To say I am shocked and saddened by Jan’s passing is an understatement. As I’m sure all that read this will attest, Jan was one of a kind. Her passion and enthusiasm were only surpassed by her love of her community. She will be missed by all whose lives she has touched.
Brenna and Barry Vincent
We are saddened to hear of Jan’s sudden passing. A busy gal with so much passion for our community and heritage. She will be dearly missed by many, but her legacy will live on forever. Our sincerest condolences go to her family at this tender time.
Jacquelyne Mitchell
On behalf of the Van Egmond Foundation, we offer our sincere condolence Jacquelyne Mitchell
Ann Preszcator
Dear Deb and all of Jan’s Friends:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Joan Middleton
Jan, you will be greatly missed . I had the opportunity to get to know you briefly, sure wished we had more time to discover more of what life had to offer and enjoy a glass of wine together.
Carolanne Doig
Deb, and all of Jan’s many friends and colleagues, I express my most sincere condolences.
Knowing Jan was an experience in how positivity, hard work, and attention to the tiniest detail, can create a sense of pride, accomplishment, and success. I thank God that Jan’s favourite sport was golf! It helped create a connection that became a marvelous friendship. Sometimes work turned into fun-time and sometimes fun-times turned into work as we exchanged ideas and made plans, often over a glass of wine. Jan was a great business ally and a kind and generous friend always keen to help. Jan never said, “Get ‘er done.” Jan simply “Got ‘er done!” I will miss her – we all will miss her.
Lorna Johnston
My sincere condolences to Jan’s family, and her many friends.
John Lowe, Councillor Brussels ward
To Deb and Jan’s close friends and community partners: This sad and sudden loss doesn’t sit well with many. Remember her warm inviting smile to carry you through the difficult days. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies. You can see by the outpourings of condolences she was well-known far and wide and is equally missed.
Dave Frayne
To Deb, family and friends
Sorry to learn of Jan’s passing .
Huron East could not have had a better supporter than her
She put her heart and soul into every task given her or to the ones that were important to her cause to make Huron County a better place
Heather Lalonde
On behalf of the members of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Jan. She touched and inspired so many members with her dedication to community. Her talent and excellence in economic development will be missed.
Dr. Christopher Cooper
They say this, too, shall pass,
They say grief eventually fades.
But those sayings are of little comfort,
When we all are living through such sad days,
And living without you in our lives.
Rest well my dear Jan.
Connie Marion
Sending hugs to Deb and all Jan’s friends. Jan will be truly missed by the community. It was fun to be able to hear her many stories when I worked at the municipal office. She always gave it ‘her all’
Seaforth BIA
The Seaforth BIA would like to offer our deepest sympathy to Deb and all the friend’s our our dear Jan. She was a mentor and cheerleader for the Seaforth BIA and we will miss her so much. Jan gave of her time freely and enjoyed everything she did. Her legacy will live on through her accomplishments and awards and every time you walk down our back alley you know Jan will be right beside you singing…doo-doo-doo lookin’ out my back door!
Everspring Farms team
Our sincere sympathy to Jan’s family and community as she has suddenly left our lives. She has been a true inspiration and guiding force in Huron County and she will be greatly missed.
Joe Steffler
So sorry Deb and the rest of Jan’s family. You could tell by her enthusiastic approach to her job she was a valued employee of Huron East. The recognition she brought to Huron East was nothing short of amazing. If you wanted a job done, just tell Jan and then watch it happen.
Rest In Peace Jan, you will be missed.
Joe Steffler
Shannon Craig
Debra and friends,
I am saddened to hear about Jan’s sudden passing. She has always been a cheerleader for everyone in her community. I am grateful to have known Jan on Seaforth BIA. She was always networking for her next project. She had so much more work she wanted to do. She will be dearly missed.
Julie Consitt
My deepest sympathies to Deb, all of Jan’s family, and her work family. She always had a smile on her face and helped anyone she could. She was such a great advocate for the community, and put her heart and soul into the place she called home. She will be dearly missed! Hugs to everyone who knew her❤️
Sheila B
So sorry to hear we have lost a gem so suddenly. Jan was very well known and very well loved she will be missed by many condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers with you as you get through this tough time. RIP Jan
Lissa Berard
My deepest sympathies to you Deb and, all friends Jan has made along the way. Jan was out #1 Cheerleader for Huron East. She brought the best out of our small rural communities. Our map dots turned into shining stars.
Kathy O'Reilly
Our sincerest sympathies to Jan’s family and her many friends. She will be truly missed in our community.
Sincerely
Greg and Kathy O’Reilly
Dale Dolson
We are deeply saddened to hear of Jan’s sudden passing… She was a jewel to Huron County! In her days as an administrator at Maitland Valley Marina, as some have said, she was tireless on enticing transient boaters to Goderich. As restaurant owners, we were the beneficiaries of her hard work and will be forever thankful! She was a dear friend and devoted manager to the Maitland Valley boating and RV. Community and is fondly remembered by the Goderich Yacht Club. Jan will be deeply missed! For many years she would be one of the first calls at the restaurant. .. I remember her jolly greeting…” Hey you! Me calling!” Her voice was a bright spot in the day… Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends, from the Goderich Yacht Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dale Dolson
Formerly of Robindale’s Fine Dining Ltd.
Commodore
Goderich Yacht Club
Barry Mills
My deepest sympathy to Deb and Jan’s extended family. I will truly miss our talks and the energy she brought to the office daily.
Gienn and Marilyn Chesney
Our sincere sympathy to Jan’s family, What a loss for Huron East.We have known Jan when she worked at the marina office in Bayfield. She will greatly missed by a lot of her friends.
Glenn and Marilyn
.
David MacAdam and Family
Our deepest condolences to all! Jan was always such a ray of sunshine and such a contributing leader within our community. She was always fond of Goderich Harbor and the “Characters” that worked and played at the harbor. She will be missed!
Maureen and Merv Agar
Deb and friends,
Jan came into our lives like a whirlwind that we did not see coming. She brought out the best of us. Her love of anything and everything heritage and community was an inspiration to us all. I had so many adventures with Jan…going to conferences, preparing and putting up signs for Still Standing in Vanastra, planning the Plowing Match…memories that will I will always cherish! My life will not be the same without Jan. My thoughts are with you Deb at this time.
R.I.P my friend.
Barry and Wendy Hutton
Rest In Peace, “golfing partner”. We will remember many great times helping with your ideas to promote our community. Our condolences to Deb and Jan’s multitude of friends.
June Laliberte
So sad.. Jan has left a large hole in Seaforth. Remember her always.. she was awesome!
Anja McGowan
I am so sorry about the loss of Jan. She was a remarkable lady. My sincere condolences . Jan did so much for Seaforth and other communities. She will be missed.
Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
What a devastating loss! Our first contact with Jan was when she worked at the Marina. Her call name was Hollyhock. In those days US boats came to the Canadian side in droves and she knew how to draw them to Goderich. She never did anything half way it was always 110 %. We enjoyed many a meal here at the house with her. After dinner she would head down the hill and across the bridge back to the Marina flashlight in hand. We love her and she knew it but wish we could have held her hand and said goodbye. Hugs Jo & Keith
Anne and Lyle Kling Furry
Thoughts and prayers for the family , so sorry for your loss Jan was a great person who loved life she will be sadly missed.
Anne and Lyle
Gwen O'Rourke
So sorry to hear of the loss of Janice, She will be missed by everyone whose life she has touched. We will never forget the changes she made to help our little community of Vanastra Prayers go out to her family!!
Trish MacGregor
My sincere sympathy to Jan’s family and her many friends. I am shocked and saddened to learn of Jan’s sudden passing. The impact she made in this community will never be forgotten. She was a very special person who shared her incredible energy and gifts with everyone she connected with. May her positive energy continue to shine through Huron East and in all who knew and loved her.