GASTON, Jeanette Althia "Jan" (nee Freeman) age 85 of Middleton passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024 in the Annapolis Community Health Centre, Annapolis Royal.

Born in Milton, NS, she was the daughter of the late Mildred (Verge) Dicks and Douglas Freeman and stepdaughter of the late Nash Dicks of Hunts Point. She was predeceased by her husband Wilfred Allen Gaston.

Jan was a sister to Connie (Joe) and David (Donna); Mom to Cheryle (Lorne) and Ron (Sandi); Nanny to Alexandra (Sean), Jessica (Ryan), Nicole, Michelle, Luke (Hannah), Vanessa (Dom), Kristin, and Lianne. Her great-grandchildren, whom she loved to the moon and back, also called her Nanny – Noah, Kylie, Indianna, Logan, Jacob, and Benjamin.

Raised on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Jan boarded a train upon completion of high school as an enlisted RCAF WAC in 1956. While in her first posting in Borden, Ontario, she met and married, then LAC, Wilfred Gaston. They embarked on a 59-year adventure that saw them first in 2-Wing, Grostenquin, France where their two children were born while stationed there and where she retired from the Air Force, returning to Canada and Chatham, New Brunswick in 1962.

In 1969, they returned to Europe where they spent five years in 4-Wing Baden. While there, Jan became a tailor at the base supply section. She and Wilf became active in the sporting activities of their children. She began her involvement with the sport of Figure Skating as a board member of the local club. Her talent for sewing led her to make skating dresses for the skaters, something she did for the next 30 years. She also fell in love with the game of golf and continued to play after returning to Canada in 1974 where Wilf was posted to Greenwood. She continued to support both Cheryle and Ron in their chosen activities. She worked at the Metropolitan store in Greenwood Mall in the fabric department. In addition, she served on committees with the skating and golf clubs. In 1980 she re-enlisted as a class C reservist in Greenwood and then in 1982 into full reg force for two more years. She followed Wilf on a posting to Borden, Ont. From there, Bagotville, Quebec where he was a civilian Technical Field Service Representative. They retired to Doaktown, NB in 1992 where they continued their involvement with the golf and skating clubs. Jan also began her post as Service Officer with the local legion. She was a proud legion member and a proud 'aunt' to over 30 nieces and nephews. She and Wilf made Middleton, NS their final move in 2013 where they rekindled many past friendships and made new ones.

As grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived, she took on the role of mentor. Passing on her passion for crafting, sewing, and most notably cooking. She had passed on her secret recipes to them and was always a soft place to land as she gave the best hugs. She checked many things off her bucket list in the past few years. She was a member of the Middleton United Church where she found fellowship and friendship. She will be missed by all who had the luck of knowing her. Fierce, loyal, loving, and supportive. No one cheered louder for the Blue Jays or knew more about the current Curling teams than she did. She gifted her lovingly knitted prayer shawls to many recipients.

She decided nine years ago to gift her body to Dalhousie School of Medicine as she had a myriad of health issues and she felt she could be a great teaching tool. A celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2024 in Middleton Funeral Home 398 Main Streeet, toll free 1.855.825.3448. Rev. Elisabeth Jennings officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Arthritis Society of Canada or Behcets Canada.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com