WHITTLE, Janette Elma (nee Fenton)
November 5, 1934 – January 31, 2023
It is with profound sadness that the family of Janette Whittle announces her passing on January 31st, 2023, at the age of 88. She was a treasured wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Janette was born at home in a granary north of Cochrane in 1934 to Elmer and Isobel Fenton, the first of seven children. She attended Mount Hope, a one-room schoolhouse and rode four miles to school each day on a horse named Old Blue.
As a teenager, Janette worked at Hart’s Drugstore in town, where local boy David Whittle would come in for milkshakes after baseball. Sneaking an extra scoop of ice cream into his dessert was the spark that ignited their romance. They were married in 1954 and one year later their daughter Debbie arrived. Three years later their son Kevin was born. Dave and Janette were married 59 years until his passing.
Janette loved life and enjoyed the simple things. She was an extraordinary homemaker who also had a special gift for all things artistic. She was a marvelous painter, selling hundreds of pieces and gifting countless more. She cooked and baked, crotched and sewed, gardened and enjoyed birdwatching. One of her greatest joys in life was gathering with her family.
Janette had boundless energy and was a member of many local clubs; art clubs, bowling, golf, and the Red Hatters to name a few. She was an incredibly kind woman and she remains an inspiration to those who knew her. She will be sorely missed.
Janette is survived by her children, Debbie Admussen and Kevin Whittle, her grandchildren, Steve (Aedyn) Admussen and Angela (Louis) Archambault, and her great-grandchildren, Dawson and Abrielle Archambault. She is also survived by her brothers, Buster Fenton, Jim (Joanne) Fenton, John (Joanne) Fenton, Alan (Debbie) Fenton her sisters, Marlene Phillips, Donna Smith, brother-in-law Ray (Marilyn) Whittle, sister-in-law Joan (Steve) Fedoroshyn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Janette was predeceased by her husband Dave, and her brothers-in-law Bob Phillips and Gary Smith.
A private burial will take place on Monday February 13th, 2023 followed by a public Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm at St Andrew’s United Church in Cochrane. Tea and refreshments to follow.
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Emily Champ, Funeral Director
Condolences to the Whittle / Fenton Families on the passing of Janette, Always remember her smile and laugh from the days of her attending the art club painting nights above the store to the cookies she baked she will deeply be missed.
My sincere condolences to Jeanette’s family.
She was warm and friendly and I enjoyed spending time with her through Red Hatters
Our Condolences to the family on the passing of Janette. Part of Cochrane’s history was part of her. My mother always had kind words about Janette.
Sincere condolences to Debbie, Keven, Angie, Steve and all the family. It was a privilege for me to meet madam Jeannette. I will never forget her. I will be with all of you on tuesday.
Louis’ mom
My condolences for your loss. I have only fond memories of Janette from the days she cut and styled my hair for spring proms and from art club days above the old hardware store. Treasure every beautiful memory of her.
Deb Callaway
My deepest condolences to your family. It was a wonderful privilege to have met Jeanette through the Cochrane Art Club and spending time with her after the passing of her beloved husband David to help her design his memorial. She was a lovely woman full of warmth and a zest for life… and her lovely smile.
Brenda Lucas