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Janet Berton Obituary
June 29, 1920 - November 6, 2015
Wife and best friend to Pierre; sister of the late Dr. Donald Walker; sister-in-law to Dr. Elspeth Walker and Lucy Berton Woodward; mother to Penny, Pamela, Patsy, Peter, Paul, Peggy Anne, Perri and Eric; mother-in-law to John, Rico, Paula, Holly, Stewart; grandmother to Elora, Orin, Liam, Graeme, Michaela, Laura, Thomas, David, Joanna, Harris, Heidi, Zac, Gareth and Joshua; great-grandmother to Nayan; den mother to countless others, friend to all.
Journalist, copy editor, public relations expert, general store clerk, unofficial hostel operator, cookbook author, event promoter, pioneering restaurateur, early environmentalist, community activist, Explorer leader, picnic coordinator, tireless volunteer, vegetable gardener, gourmet chef, 24/7 party convener, welcoming host to friends, strangers, stray cats (and let's face it -- all creatures great and small); heritage conservationist, and eternal optimist.
Her inevitable response to small disasters was "oh well, it will make a good story." Her common refrain: "Aren't we lucky." Her predictable question of others: "What can I do to help?" Her usual offer to random transients: "You'll stay with us." Her most frequent comment about almost anyone: "They seem very nice."
A celebration of her life will be held at the Board of Trade Country Club, 20 Lloyd St. in Woodbridge, on November 16th at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
46 Entries
November 28, 2015
Where to start? So many memories of growing up in our Village, with all its wonderful people. Mrs. Berton truly holds a special place in our heart. Rob and Lucinda Gathercole
November 26, 2015
As a member of The Writers' Union of Canada I have many wonderful memories of their parties after TWUC AGM's. Janet was a gracious host. Her food was delicious. Condolences to all her family.
Jillian Dagg
Michel Gabereau
November 20, 2015
To the Berton Family.
Condolences to all of you.
I remember fondly all the days and dinners in Kleiburg,
particulary Thanksgiving and Christmas when Janet made me feel
part of the family. As a young Frenchman new to Canada, it helped me
integrate in the Canadian way of life and 50 years later I am still here.
Thanks to all of you and if you are ever in the Eastern Townships of Québec
come and visit us. Signy sends her condolences as well.
Michel Gabereau ([email protected])
Michel Gabereau
November 20, 2015
To the Berton Family.
Condolences to all of you.
I remember fondly all the days and dinners in Kleiburg,
particulary Thanksgiving and Christmas when Janet made me feel part of the family. As a young Frenchman new to Canada, it helped me integrate in the Canadian way of life and 50 years later I am still here.
Thanks to all of you and if you are ever in the Eastern Townships of Québec come and visit us. Signy sends her condolences as well.
Michel Gabereau ([email protected])
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November 20, 2015
To the Berton Family.
Condolences to all of you.
I remember fondly all the days and dinners in Kleiburg,
particulary Thanksgiving and Christmas when Janet made me feel
part of the family. As a young Frenchman new to Canada, it helped me
integrate in the Canadian way of life and 50 years later I am still here.
Thanks to all of you and if you are ever in the Eastern Townships of Québec come and visit us.
Signy sends her condolences as well.
Michel Gabereau ([email protected])
Diane Hailey
November 19, 2015
Condolences and love to all the Bertons from all the Haileys. Here's to the memories of a special and bygone era when our dads were young bucks around town and our moms made everything good and right. Thinking of you all, Diane (for Sheila and the rest of our gang.)
Rose Murray
November 18, 2015
I had the special opportunity of attending lunch at Janet's with Edna Staebler who was Janet's good friend. Her gracious hospitality was unequaled.
November 15, 2015
What fond memories I have - the playhouse, overnights down at the pond watching the stars, cats everywhere, lots of stimulating conversation, and of course, my mother's dear friend, always welcoming, laughing, and making another place at the table. Condolences to all of you.
Tish Gibbs(Leslie), the other terrible twin.
November 15, 2015
Dear Patsy, Rico and family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. It is touching to read the heartfelt tributes to her. Deepest condolences.
Toni Neff
November 14, 2015
To all the Bertons
We knew her as Mrs. Berton but she really was our second mother and the whole Berton Family was our second family. We grew up together with them all,just over the hill from their house in Windrush, Kleinburg. She was the most generous non judgemental human beings I have yet to know.
Love to you all
Maureen Denny Comox BC
(one of the Terrible Twins)
Brad Clancy
November 14, 2015
My deepest condolences to the burton family I will always cherish my fond memories visiting the burton home as a child and Janet's kindness to me growing up
November 14, 2015
Every time I drive by what was the Berton Home on Stegman's Mill Rd I think of those Pot Luck Evenings that Janet hosted for the University Women's Club of Vaughan with such warmth. An impressive lady. Even with her foot injury she was fully involved. I think of her at the dedication of the Janet Berton Trail, her tireless optimistic support of the green park issues, etc., etc. A common-sense lady, but such fun.
Sincere condolences to her loved ones, who will miss her most of all. Bea Parkes
Ruth Reesor
November 13, 2015
Thanks for the wonderful memories, Janet. Pennywise sales, book sales, the heritage committee...the list goes on. You are forever in our hearts.
John Arthur Harrison
November 13, 2015
Condolences and all best wishes to all you Berton families. Janet was a wise contributing member of our Provincial Steering Committee of the LACACs of Ontario, as we created Community Heritage Ontario in the late 1980s. Pierre presented me with the "gong", the 1993 National Heritage Achievement Award, from Heritage Canada Foundation jointly with CHO.
Your parents were two amazing, wonderful contributing citizens and human beings!
Our two sons grew up knowing you all in The Secret World of Og. All the best always!
Phyllis Lasky
November 13, 2015
Glenn and I have many wonderful memories of Janet from our times shared at the Kleinburg family home. We always looked forward to our conversations with her. She was so warm and welcoming and full of curiosity and interest, especially with respect to environmental issues. It was a delight to know her; she will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Renu Ajwani
November 13, 2015
Perri, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
June Anderson
November 13, 2015
Patsy my brief meeting with your mom was a time of great ah for me. I send you and your family my sincere sympathy. She was a gracious lady and a strong woman. Tonight I will sing a song to the stars as she goes on her way. Blessings. June Anderson.
Mary Beth Allan
November 13, 2015
We enjoyed, as a family being included in MANY family gatherings in Kleinburg, whether they were outside or inside at the family table. Mrs. Berton always welcome and included our family as if we were part or her own. It's just another 4 plates.
We are honoured to have known her for so long. Our sincerest condolences. Mary Beth, Cam, Ben and Emily Allan
Susanne Powell
November 13, 2015
I spent many a happy time playing in the Berton house and pool as a child. She was a lovely lady. My deepest condolences.
Earlene Robitaille
November 13, 2015
Have just pasted your mom's obit to The Centennial Food Guide, complied by Pierre & Janet in 1966, which we consider an heirloom and treasure. Your parents have left a huge legacy in their books, especially Pierre's histories, his time on TV panels and sharing their family life. A beautiful obit for them - well done. Canada was blessed to have them. Prayers for all, Len & Earlene Robitaille
Liz Hayward (formerly Shannon)
November 12, 2015
What a wonderful lady and she will be sadly missed by all whom she touched. As a child growing up in Kleinburg, she invited a small group of us kids from town to go swimming in their pool. We had brought her husky dog Sasha home from town, and she so wonderfully invited us to take a dip after such a long walk to return her dog. It was a small gesture I never forgot!
Julia Atherley
November 12, 2015
Mrs. Berton's unflappable grace, charm and intellect have always been an inspiration to me. From one of the many fortunate transients.
John Henderson
November 12, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 12, 2015
A mother of grace and generosity who always welcomed us and kept us in the loop with the goings on of, "The City of Vaughan, The City of Above Toronto" (raised eyebrows)
All or love and support, Gord and Kathy.
November 12, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to all of the Berton children and extended family. what an incredible lady!!
Mary Anne and Tom McKenna
Donna Stoyan Scott
November 12, 2015
Condolences to the Berton family on the passing of your mother. I only met her once,when Pam and I were in Grade 8, and remember her as being very gracious when she allowed the class to come tobogganing.
Renata Young
November 12, 2015
What an incredibly beautiful woman. She will be missed. Love to all Renata xo
November 12, 2015
From Rod Mickleburgh: Sincere condolences to you all.my mom, who was with Janet at UBC, ran into her once at the Crest Theatre, and referred to her immediately as Janet Walker, not knowing she had married Pierre.and Janet, of course, knew only my mother's maiden namespeaking of hospitality, welcoming all those hippie radicals from the 1969 CUP conference out to Kleinberghow (and why???) did she do it? A long, rich life.RIP
Drew Cleland
November 12, 2015
Hey Berton family,
What a legacy your mother has left behind! My sincerest condolences
for your loss, but I think she will live on in the memories of so many.
Drew
Cameron Allan
November 12, 2015
Janet was truly a surrogate mother to myself and brother Jeff. She worked tirelessly including us in many family outings, adventures and affairs in and out of Kleinberg. She always displayed a great sense of volunteerism, neighborly kindness and helping the other person. I fondly remember her firm assertion to Peter, Paul, Jeffrey and myself if we were, to put it mildly, less than enthusiastic to participate in chores or tasks at hand, in other words goofing off, with her powerful brown eyes and glare, saying..."you jolly well will do it".
Janet touched so many people, I am blessed to have known her kindness and love, there won't be another like her.
Love to all my Berton Family
Christine Hadden
November 12, 2015
May love and peace of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.
Margaret Godec
November 12, 2015
Perri, so sorry to hear you've lost your mom! It sounds like you and your family have many wonderful memories of her that will never be forgotten. Best to you all!
Margaret Godec
November 12, 2015
Perri, so sorry to hear that you've had to say goodbye to your mom! It sounds like you and your family have many wonderful memories of her that will never be forgotten. Best to you all!
Charlene Robson
November 12, 2015
The Agar family send sincerest condolences to the Berton family. We share lots of fond memories of the Berton family.
Beth, Ray, Charlene, Debbie, Pam, Jeff and Doug.
Derek de Gannes
November 12, 2015
Wishing the entire Berton family much strength during this difficult time.
Julia Allatog Khan
November 12, 2015
My sincere condolence to Berton family. Your most loving and caring mom surely will be missed.
Thoughts & Prayers, Mardy
Gregory Halmay
November 11, 2015
I only knew Janet for a small part of her life towards the end at Wellesley Central. Janet was a well packaged Gem and I always looked forward her wonderful wit and one liners. My feelings go out to all of you that were close to her. Wow, she was fun.
Marty Garcia
November 11, 2015
Beautiful as within, beautiful as without ... with heartfelt condolences ...
Barbara, Nancy, and Neville and Families
November 11, 2015
We send our sincere sympathy to your family in the loss of Janet. She leaves a legacy of monumental proportions and will be missed. May thoughts of the two couples, Margaret and Fred and Janet and Pierre, birdwatching and partying at Port Burwell or Point Pelee bring you comfort at this time.
November 11, 2015
Such sad news. We are sending much love from Ottawa. Jo, Graham and Zoe.
Shelley Ireland
November 11, 2015
So very sorry to hear about Janet. The Ireland's send heart felt condolences to the entire family. Janet was such a lovely lady, I think of her fondly often as I remember many summer days with the kids growing up in Kleinburg. I also remember the family Christmas card we received every year. Very very sorry to hear.
Judy & Chuck Jordan-Noble
November 11, 2015
Patsy, Rico & Family,
So very sorry to learn of the passing of your mother/grandmother. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there; I did not die. [Mary Elizabeth Frye]
Hayley Tyson Daniel Kash, Tyson and Kenzie
November 11, 2015
The 'mother of all mothers.' Janet made the bathing suit and apron combo a fashion statement; as she ran between proof reading volumes to making sure the beef was seasoned just right...We all miss her dearly...she was everyone's "Gramma Janet!" So much love to all the Bertons, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends, we feel so lucky to have known her for so long.
Steve Mosher
November 11, 2015
I extend my sincere condolences to the Berton family on the passing of your Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother. I met Mrs. Berton once, at the Berton home, back in late 1986, when I was there as a guest of the local architectural and conservation advisory committee. Mrs. Berton hosted their year-end meeting and buffet dinner and was very kind and generous both to people she already knew and to others, like me, whom she was meeting for the first time. During the committee meeting that followed the dinner, it was evident that her comments and recommendations were well considered and very much valued by all of the committee members. She will be remembered by all who knew her and by others like me who might have met her only once.
Melanie Wood
November 11, 2015
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Janet was our next-door neighbour in Kleinburg where we grew up. She always welcomed us to her home with open arms and made us feel like family. I am sorry that I am not there for the service. It was heart warming to see so many Bertons at my mother's service recently.
Anne Marie Clune
November 11, 2015
Everyone who meets Perri, LOVES her for all the reasons that Janet is LOVED. Sending our LOVE to the Berton family, hoping that your sadness in missing your mom/grandmother turns to moments of sunshine knowing she is now with your dad/papa making the heavens a better place. We LOVE you Berton-Haddens. Love, Anne Marie, Tom, Rich, Matt, and Ben Clune and the entire Fraumeni and Clune family.
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