It is with heavy hearts that the family of Janey Mulner announce her passing on May 5, 2024 at the age of 79 years.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David Mulner, children; Alex Ann and Kelly, as well as many loving family members and dear friends.

Janey's story began in the picturesque coulees south of Grassy Lake, nestled in the heart of Alberta, where her parents, Anne and John Fettig, raised their family. She was born in Taber, Alberta, into a grieving family who had just buried their three-year-old child. Her older sister, Donalda, seemed to make up for any loose ends as she gave her bottle after bottle of water while pushing her around the gravelled yard in the baby buggy. 

Janey attended Chamberlain School in Grassy Lake. She achieved academic and athletic merits while sharing numerous school activities with her best friend, Janice. She loved school and looked forward to the start of a new school year in September. Seeing all the kids she missed over the summer was always rewarding. In 1958, fate intervened, and a love story began. David Mulner picked Janey up in his 1952 Meteor, and away they went to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Ever the playful spirit, David teased Janey with the promise that she would pick him up on horseback for their date. This was the start of an on-and-off seven-year relationship ending with a wedding in 1964.

Six decades later, through the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, they stood side by side, bound by vows spoken long ago. In one of her treasured notebooks, there was a profound declaration: one of Janey's best decisions was to marry David. A decision that laid the foundation for a lifetime of shared joys and cherished memories. David was her stalwart companion, unwavering supporter, and a true trooper through life's journey, whether or not they always agreed on specific issues.

While spending their first 12 years in Calgary, Janey embraced the extraordinary gift of motherhood, welcoming three children (Darren, Kelly, and Alex Ann) into her heart and home. Her role as a mother was a sacred calling – a commitment to nurture, guide, and love unconditionally. Through her endless sacrifices, she shaped her children's lives, instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, resilience, and the understanding that NO! means NO!

Leaving behind exceptional friends and the comforts of city life, Janey and David decided to relocate back to the Mulner farm in Purple Springs in 1976. It was a move that initially proved challenging for Janey. Despite the initial challenges, she finally embraced farm life. It was a choice rooted in a deep reverence for nature and a profound appreciation for simplicity. Her gardening was a therapy she loved and expanded on every year. Flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and water from the dugout kept her nurtured and happy. The garden took on an extra special role during Darren's (her oldest son) final stages of life, as she looked forward to working in the dirt whenever she could. Unfortunately, she never removed the quack grass; the weeds grew stronger. 

Janey believed that massage should be part of the health system before becoming part of many centres. She unapologetically embraced health and wellness long before it became a trend. She took an interest in natural health, politics, religion, and sports, but her love for the environment was at the top of her list; she was incredibly passionate about clean air, soil, and water. In the 70s, while others were lost in the sugar-laden haze, Janey picked up a book called "The Sugar Blues" and changed our family’s lives forever. Her unwavering commitment to our well-being transformed our cupboards, meals, and school lunches. Good health was an expectation for Janey, and she made it work. The buckwheat pancakes and no sugar treats in the house helped. She raised her kids on Adelle Davis's health books, which promoted a drink called Pep-Up—one of the ugliest-tasting things around. As the bus awaited, Janey would say, "Hurry, just knock it back quick; the bus is waiting," and away her kids would go. 

Janey appreciated education and learning, which are strong values held by her family. Later in life, she embarked on a journey to pursue a degree in social work at the University of Lethbridge. It was a path that resonated with her innate sense of compassion, her love for helping others, and her profound gift for listening. Janey had many loves. She loved to laugh, read books, books, and more books; she loved to play boogie-woogie on her piano, dance, sing, listen to music, attend live theatre, travel, spend time with friends and lastly, loved her cat, Willy. He was also known as Sir William James because she felt he deserved some sophistication. He was a healer for her, never leaving her side when she was sick.

When reflecting on the cherished moments of Janey's life, it's impossible to overlook the profound influence of her extended family. Growing up, her love for her cousins, aunts, and uncles was boundless. Music was not just a backdrop to her childhood. Instead, it was a cornerstone of joy, comfort, and connection. As Janey, her aunts, uncles and cousins reminisced, shared stories, and laughed until their sides ached, it became clear that this was more than just a visit- it was a testament to the enduring bonds of family, the power of music to heal, and the beauty of love that knows no bounds.

Janey’s legacy of love, learning, and resilience will inspire us daily. Her unwavering spirit, boundless compassion, and relentless pursuit of a life well-lived are etched forever in our hearts. As we carry forth the torch she courageously lit, we honour not just the memory of a wife, mother, and friend but the legacy of a remarkable woman whose spirit will forever guide our way.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday May 21, 2024 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Parish (5009 48 Ave Taber), with Fr. Philip Van Tinh Le celebrating.

In lieu of flowers, friends may donate a tree or a shrub to the Mulner Farm. Contact Sunny Side Nursery, www.sunnysidenursery.ca or call 403-223-1049.