Obituaries

Janice “Jan” “Queenie” Faer passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, just days shy of her 80th birthday. She was born on April 21, 1946, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, the eldest of three children. At the age of two, she came to Canada with her parents John and Norma Highfield, where she would go on to build a full and meaningful life. Her nickname “Queenie” came from sharing her birthday with Queen Elizabeth II, whom she admired deeply.

Jan shared a lifelong love story with her devoted husband, Eugene “Gene” Faer. Though they were married on December 30, 1983, their journey together began in 1974, forming a partnership grounded in friendship, hard work, loyalty, and deep affection.

Jan’s life was defined by both hard work and meaningful connection. Alongside Gene, she owned and operated a ranch, farming and raising cattle for over 25 years. At the same time, she built a respected career in Regina as a legal assistant with several law offices, where her dedication and professionalism were highly regarded.

In 2007, Jan and Gene moved from the ranch to their cherished lakefront home in Heritage Valley, Saskatchewan—a place that became the backdrop for many treasured memories.

Jan had a natural gift for bringing people together. She and Gene hosted countless gatherings over the years, including well-loved fish frys, lakeside campfires, and weeny roasts. Warm, welcoming, and deeply social, Jan was often affectionately known as the “social coordinator.” She especially enjoyed time on the water—fishing with Gene on their boat and in their ice shack, and taking pontoon rides with their many lake friends. And if the song “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker happened to come on, you could be sure Jan was smiling, singing along, and encouraging everyone else to join in.

She held her family close to her heart and treasured time spent together. Jan especially loved visits from her brother and sister-in-law and her sister from Estevan, as well as the trips she and Gene made there to be with them. She also cherished travelling to British Columbia with her sister Joanne to visit their family.

Jan and Gene took great pride in their large garden each year, generously sharing their homegrown vegetables with friends and co-workers—just one of the many ways Jan showed her kindness and thoughtfulness.

Her home was always spotless, a reflection of her care and pride. Jan loved to cook and found great joy in sharing not only her meals but also her cherished recipes with family and friends.

Jan was a truly special person, loved by all who knew her. She carried herself with grace and humility, touching the hearts of many. Her kind, joyful spirit and witty sense of humour will be deeply missed.

Jan was predeceased by her brothers-in-law David Dukart, Elgin Faer, and Hudson Faer; her aunt Shirley Fleming (Lorne) of Duncan, British Columbia; and her close friend Eddy Steinhubl. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband and lifelong best friend, Gene Faer; her brother Ronald Highfield (Linda) of Estevan, Saskatchewan; Joanne Dukart of Estevan, Saskatchewan; her cousin Dianne Boucher (Barry) of Duncan, British Columbia; and her dear friends Bonnie and Daryl Holzapfel, Judy and Dale Hine, and Lorna Steinhubl. She will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, as well as her many dear friends from the lake community.

A Celebration of Jan’s Life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and friends at the Heritage Home in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, and the Last Mountain Pioneer Home in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan, as well as the doctors, nurses, and palliative care staff at the Regina Pasqua Hospital for their compassionate care and support.

Jan’s memory will be forever held close in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.