Janet was born at Castor, Alberta on May 26, 1918, the fourth daughter and fourth child of Edward and Lena McKenzie, early pioneers in the Fleet District.
She developed a strong love for the outdoors working on the family farm while attending Kimberley School and Fleet High.
After formal school training in Calgary, Jean taught in Stettler rural schools for nine years.
On August 7, 1948 she married her true love, Jake (Jack) Bysterveld.
This union was blessed with four children who were always proud of their schoolteacher “Mom”.
Janet and Jake farmed in the Delburne and Bashaw communities and Janet continued to raise her family and reside in Bashaw after her husband’s untimely passing in 1970.
She loved horses, baseball, gardening and grandmothering and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
Janet is survived by three daughters, Linda Lea (Bruce) Klippenstein of Okotoks, Alberta, Patricia (Dale) Willis of Beaverlodge, Alberta, Joyce (Ian) Jenkins of Poyntzpass, Northern Ireland and one son, Chris (Karalee) Bysterveld of Red Deer, nine granchildren, Leanne and Tyler Klippenstein, Brandon, Cody, Cole and Brett Willis, Rowan Jenkins and Kirsten and Rachel Bysterveld.
She is also survived by three sisters, Edna and Mabel of Royal Park, Calgary, Alberta; Lea of Fleet, Alberta; one brother Robert of Prince George, British Columbia, sisters-in law, Ada of Fleet, Hazel of Barrhead, Alberta, Hazel and Loraine of Delburne, Alberta and one brother-in-law, Peter of Delburne, Alberta; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, former students and many dearly loved friends.
Predeceased by her husband, Jake; her parents, Ed and Lena; brother, Alex; sister, Alice; sisters-in-law, Bernice and Grace; and brothers-in-law, Jake, France, Gordon, Casey and John.
A family visitation was held at Eventide Funeral Chapel, 4820-45th Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, July 12, 2002. A celebration of Janet’s life was held at the Delburne Community Hall, Delburne, Alberta on Saturday, July 13, 2002 at 2 p.m. with The Reverand Ralf Lubben officiating.
Interment followed the Delburne Cemetary, Delburne, Alberta.
If desired, memorial tributes in Janet’s honour may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 101, 5208-53 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5K2 or to World Vision Canada. Condolences may also be forwarded to the family at www.eventide.funeralchapels.com.