Peacefully at St. Joseph Hospice, London on Monday, March 1, 2021 at the age of 77. Cherished wife of the late Peter Purvis (2002). Proud mother of Sarah Purvis, Scott and Megan Purvis, and Blair Purvis. Loving grandma of Jack, Emma, Olive and Sybil. Dear sister-in-law of Judy and Frank Decicco. Predeceased by parents John and Dorothy Given, and brother Bill Given.
Jan taught for many years, finishing her career at Milton District High School, where she formed many relationships with colleagues and students. After her retirement she spent her time between the cottage and her many adventures around the globe.
Keeping with Jan’s wishes cremation has taken place. A private family memorial service will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, Lucan.
Donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Lake Huron Center for Coastal Conservation, or the North Middlesex Historical Society – Ailsa Craig Museum would be appreciated.
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).
Frank and Janet Winters
We are so sad to hear of the passing of Jan. We were cottage (over the ravine) neighbours for about 6 years and Jan knew how to include everyone in our association!! She always kept everyone informed. She was bubbly welcoming and very well organized. She always had a smile on her face. Our sympathies to her family.
Erna and Steve Bujna
Blair and family
May the wonderful memories you have of your mom get you through this difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
Erna and Steve Bujna
Tracy McLennan
Dear Scott, Meg, Jack, Emma and the Purvis family,
Our deepest sympathies at the passing of your mother/grandmother. May the love of your family and friends bring you comfort.
Paul, Tracy, Sabryn, and Jocelyn McLennan
Cathy Doyle
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Jan during her years at Milton District High School. I always admired her leadership and professionalism and know that her kindness, sense of humour and support made her such an incredible educator, colleague and friend. Jan gave so much to so many, she will be missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Cathy Doyle
Newtie Hartwell
Condolences to Sarah, Scott and Megan, Blair, Jack,Emma and Olive. We are sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. She was indeed a marvelous cousin. I have many fond memories of meeting Aunts, Uncles and Cousins at Given Reunions over the years hosted at the cottage and in Oakville as well. Jan was an expert Birder and introduced Ross and I to our first sighting of a Painted Bunting at the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary on a visit to Florida. Many wonderful memories indeed. You are in our thought at this time.
Newtie and Family and Nancy and Family
The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation
Our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Jan was a Board member of the Coastal Centre for over 4 years and we will remember her kindness, sense of humour, and her dedication to the lake and shoreline. We will miss Jan very much! Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
George & Jean Irvin
We were saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. We had been long time neighbours at Houston Heights South for many years. Jan was very dedicated to all environmental issues and was always available to provide assistance thru both BSRA and ABCA.
She will be greatly missed.
Brian and Clare Bloxam
Our deepest sympathyto Sarah, Scott, Meg, Blair, Jack, Emma, Olive and Sybil.
Jan’s friends and neigbours at Houston Heights will miss her dearly.
Brian and Clare
Patrick Donnelly - Lake Huron Coastal Centre
Sarah, Scott, Megan and Blair. Our deepest sympathies to you and your families. Your mother was a great champion for Lake Huron. She provided her quiet wisdom and careful consideration of all matters and decisions made around the Lake Huron Coastal Centre board of director table. She was a delightful person who will be missed by our family of staff and directors at the Coastal Centre.
The Norman Family
Blair & Family, we are sorry to hear of the loss of your mom/grandmother. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Bev & Jeff & Family
Val du Manoir
It is with great sadness that I learn of Jan’s passing. I taught with Jan at Milton District. She was a wonderful teacher and friend. Wish we had kept in touch.
Doug Leighton
My warmest wishes to all of you in Jan’s family as you celebrate her life and mourn her death. While our contacts have been few in recent years, our families have known each other for more than half a century. We were guests at the Purvis-Given wedding and had enjoyable visits at the cottage on Lake Huron, at the country property near Peterborough, in Oakville, and on one occasion, Lieury United Church. On all these occasions, Jan was a witty, sparkling, dignified presence.
Kate Monk
I was so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing Jan at meetings in Huron County. I was struck by her intelligence and curiosity and her travel stories. We will miss Jan very much.
Brian Peat
My sincere condolences to all the Purvis family on their loss of a mother and grandmother, and on behalf of the many friends and colleagues “Jan” worked with as a committed and life member of the Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations (OFHSA). I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Jan during my years of active involvement as advocates for public education in Ontario. I know that she has had a lasting impact on the many students she has taught and the parents she has mentored during her long career in public education, and her involvement in the other organizations in which she volunteered.
Brian Peat, Past President
Ontario Federation of Home & School Associations (OFHSA)
Linda (Lynn) Campbell Gee
I am sorry to hear about Jan’s passing. I am a distant cousin that lives in San Diego, California. My mother was a Dorman descendent from Ailsa Craig and left Canada to attend nursing school in Michigan. She took us to London to see her mother, Laura Dorman O’Neal, over the years. I met Jan’s family, Edna Amos, Dode and Jack Given, and Jan at that time. We remained in touch staying in her home or at the cottage, She even came to San Diego one time and enjoyed our famous zoo. I really appreciated her help with family genealogy. We shared our travel pictures to Africa and stories about our families over the years.
Margaret Caveney [Box]
Dear Sarah, Scott and Blair,
Sincere condolence in the loss of your very special mum. Jan was such a dear friend as we began our teaching careers, and later as parents. Fond memories of Jan’s warm welcome, when visiting you in Oakville with Kristyn and Jonathan. Recently it was a blessing to reconnect and share happy times over lunch. Her spirit will live on through you and her very loved grandchildren.
Tom Kay
Sarah, Scott and Megan, and Blair;
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your mom, Jan. She was a terrific lady, and a good friend of my mom. We’ve had many happy stories related to us about their trip overseas.
We are thinking of you.
The Kays, Tom, Nicole, Claire and Leo.
Karen Colwell
My condolences go to Scott, Sarah, Blair and family on the loss of your mother and grandmother. Jan was my colleague, mentor and friend. I met and worked with Jan at Milton District High School when she entered the second half of her teaching career. Jan was an exceptional leader and teacher appreciated by students, parents and staff.
I will miss her caring nature and good humour. Visits with Jan at her home and cottage were filled with lively conversations about her family, far reaching travels, and the latest gem of information about her family’s ancestors gleaned from her thorough research, and our mutual love of birds, gardening and the environment. So many good memories. I am thankful to have had Jan as my friend.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you move forward over the coming days and months. Karen
Lorraine Thompson
The world has lost a beautiful person, loved by all who knew her. My condolence to all the family at this difficult time.
Nancy Bol
My sincere sympathy to all of you. Jan’s path and mine crossed while attending Senior Alumni Lectures and enjoying birthday celebrations with Jan and Fran Devereux. Her love of and delight in her family was evident during our conversations. She was so proud of each and everyone of you.
Libby and Mal Kay
There are no words to express our deep sorrow in the passing of Jan. She has been part of our lives for decades.
Her book on the Amos family is a masterful work and will likely be the final word on the Amos clan’s travels from Scotland to Canada, beginning in the early1800’s.
Rest easy, dear girl. You will always be in our hearts.
Lib and Mal
Milan & Sharon Crepp
Milan & Sharon Crepp and Family
Wonderful memories of our 50 year friendship with Jan now fondly linger in our hearts as we mourn her passing. Our North American travel adventures remind us of treasured moments shared. Jan’s generosity, caring and loving nature made her a true friend who we now dearly miss. To Sarah, Scott and Megan, Blair, Jack, Emma , Olive and Sybil, we
extend, with much love, our heartfelt condolences.
Michelle Gabriel (Millington)
Dear Sarah, Scott & Blair and family,
I offer my condolences to you all on the loss of your mother Janet. She was such a lovely lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Gabriel ( Millington)
Carol and Glenn Cooper
We are so sorry to hear of Jan passing. There will be a huge loss for the family especially for the grandchildren. Our lives intersected many times in organ music, lives of our children, Home and School Federation, Oakville, Lake Huron cottage and Western University. Her vitality, civic mindedness and learning as a lifelong journey were an inspiration for me. Glenn and I will Jan – ” a hearty friend well met.”
Louise Good
It was such a pleasure, always, to be with Jan. We rekindled our Central High School highschool friendship when we moved back to London almost 17 years ago and met with other classmates, over lunch about every 6-weeks. She so often talked about her wonderful children and grandchildren, the family times at the cottage and her involvement with BSRA, her love of delving into family history and her many other interests. I feel privileged to have known this wonderful person and send my most sincere condolences to the family.
Patty Somerville
Janet was a treasured friend and a treasure! We have many wonderful memories of our times together that will hold her close in our hearts in the days to come. We hope that your treasured memories of your Mother, Grandmother and Sister-in-law will help keep her close to you always.
With our sympathy, love and prayers, Scott and Patty
Frances Devereux
So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. I shall miss sitting beside her and enjoying our conversations at the Senior Alumni Lectures at Western. Jan will be sorely missed by her many friends. My sincerest sympathy to Jan’s Family.
Les and Dianne Broadfoot
We will miss our friend and neighbour. We will miss hearing her great stories of Houston Heights history and the characters that formed it. We will miss hearing her screams for backup when she encountered a snake in the garden. We will miss saying ‘let’s ask Jan’. Our heartfelt condolences Sarah, Scott, Meg, Blair, Jack, Emma, Olive, and Sybil.
Les and Dianne
Sue Haskett
It was my privilege to meet Jan through BSRA . She will long be remembered for her contribution to the shoreline community and as a very respected individual.
It was my honour to become her friend. Jan lived a life that you, her family can be very proud of and I feel confident that she has left a wonderful legacy in all of you.
Thanks for sharing your mother with all of us. We will miss her.
Alwyn Vanden Berg
So sad to hear about Jan . When I spoke with Jan she was a wonderful caring lady with a kind heart. She had a deep concern about the well being of the lake and shoreline. God be with her family at this sad time.
Alan& Norma Wright
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
We both worked with Jan on different committees. She was very passionate and dedicated.
She will be missed.
Sandra Dunning
I was so saddened by this news Jan was a vibrant woman who contributed a great deal to our lives at the cottage. She will be missed .
May the happy memories you shared help to heal the pain in your hearts.
Mari Veliz, Ausable Bayfield Conservation
We are saddened to hear this news. Jan helped to develop the ongoing beach monitoring program at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) along the Lake Huron shoreline. She has been committed to the ongoing collection of water quality information at consistent sites since 2006. Each year, Jan met with ABCA staff to review the findings from the previous year and discuss the importance of the ongoing sampling and appreciation that Bluewater Shoreline Residents Association have for the information. Jan also helped with education and outreach events about water quality and shoreline processes. Jan brought her gifts of understanding, commitment and patience to help to protect and enhance Lake Huron. We will miss her guidance.
Pam Nolan Beuttenmiller
Blair
Sorry to hear about your mother. I spoke to her a few times at meetings . Thinking of you.
Bob & Carole Campbell
So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. As neighbours, Carole & I shared her love for spending time at the Lake Huron shoreline. As her colleague on the BSRA Board of Directors, I observed her commitment over many years to enhancing the lakefront community. She was a wonderful person whose personality and contributions will be missed.
Gerald and Bonnie Wright
We send our sincerest condolences to Jan’s family. We were neighbours when Jack and Dode lived at Lieury and treasured our friendship with the Givens family. Jan’s smile and gentle manner will be missed.
Bluewater Shoreline Residents Association
We are saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. Jan had been a member of the Bluewater Shoreline Residents Association Board of Directors for many years. She was a very active board member representing the interests of the shoreline community in Bluewater and will sorely missed by all of us. Our very sincere condolences to you.
Robin and Elizabeth
Sarah, Scott, Blair and Family. We are so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. It has been a pleasure to know and work with your mum these past years. Your mum was one of the nicest people we have ever met and a real asset to the Houston Heights community and beyond. She will be missed by so many!
Arlene Parker & Jim Fergusson
Sarah, Scott & Blair – Jim and I are so sorry to hear about Jan. We will miss her at the cottage. I loved her sense of humour. We appreciate the work that Jan did for HHBA and BSRA on our behalf for so many years.
(Rev.) W. Robert Johnstone
Bob and I join Scott, Sarah, and Blair in sharing a deep sense of emptiness and loss because Jan left such an indelible mark on our lives.
Fran Ritchie
So very sorry to hear of Jans passing She will be missed at the cottage. A fond memory, Jan walking the big dog.
Jim Dimitroff
Our deepest sympathies to Scott, Megan, Jack, Emma and your family on the loss of your Mom and Grandma. She was a kind and generous soul who opened up her cottage annually to the golfing friends of her son and we all have great memories as a result. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Dimitroff Family
Ron and Ann Wilson
So sorry for your loss. Jan was such a sweet lady.
Lynn Lindsay
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Jan on the BSRA. In the past .I can still feel the warmth of her sunlit kitchen at the lake where she hosted many meetings.She was the driving force behind the association for so many years. She was the head historian ,lead activist and such an inviting caring woman.Jan sincerely cared about the lake and its residents. She will be truly missed as a friend, as a leader. when I look out to the beauty of the lake, I will always remember Jan’s smiling face.
Tanya Beattie
Dear Scott and Family, Your friends at Locke’s are thinking of all of you. Sending love and support to you today and always.
Doug & Joanne Finlay
So sorry to hear about your loss. Your mother was a wonderful woman who we are blessed to have known. She truly made the world a better place and she will most certainly be missed and never forgotten.
Dianne Homer
Our deepest sympathy to Jan’s family! We have only known Jan a short time, since moving to London but are deeply moved by her death . . . the loss of a friend and a neighbour. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Dianne & Joe Homer
Sheila Builder
Thinking of you, Scott and Megan. Hold your memories close to your heart. She will always be with you.