Janita "Jan" Thomson

Jan was born on June 23, 1964 to Phyllis Thomson. When Jan was two weeks old, she was lovingly welcomed into Joseph and Wilma’s family as their precious baby girl.

Jan was predeceased by her father Joseph and her mother Wilma, her birth mother Phyllis Thomson, siblings in infancy: Sylvia, Perry, Joseph and Thelma and older brother Edwin.

Jan is survived by her two sons Zack and Riley; siblings: Kathleen, Warren (Linda), Lynn (Lynda), James, Rocky, LaVina, Danyta, Franky (Barry) and Jason and her adopted sister Carol. In addition, she will be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews who she loved and who loved her dearly.

The last week of Jan’s life was spent at our Cega Kin homeland in Cypress Hills surrounded by her brothers, sisters, colleagues and students from Chief Long Lodge School whom she referred to as her tiospaye.

Jan’s prolific career alas brought her to working with Chief Long Lodge School. She was passionate about her work with the young adults of the community where she flourished and was appreciated and truly brought about meaningful change. It was her work with her tiospaye, at the school, that inspired her to learn more about her Nakoda identity.

Jan’s two sons, Zack and Riley, were truly the loves of her life. She absolutely loved her time with her boys and was so proud of them whether they were sitting around the table praying together or creating a family meal.

Jan, in her quiet strength, her tender heart and her presence, touched more lives than she ever realized. We only wish she could have seen herself through our eyes – so worthy, so needed and so deeply cherished and loved.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to four men (Kurt, Riel, Cliffy and Matthew) who smudged and prayed over Jan and facilitated the start of her journey to meet our relatives. Also, a special thank you to the General Hospital Emergency Room staff.

The wake took place in Carry the Kettle Community Hall on Monday, June 16, 2025 beginning at 4:00 p.m. The funeral service was held in the same location on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., officated by Riel Thomson and Elder Kurt Ryder. Interment took place in the South Cemetery.

The pallbearers were Seth Thomson, CJ Kennedy, Landon Kennedy, Tyje Blenkin, Matthew Spencer, and Tyrelle Kennedy.

The honorary pallbearers were Cliffy, Lenora, Theresa, Mary Ellen, Cauli, Leona, Carol, Scott and her Long Lodge Students.