December 13, 1934 to March 1st 2010
With heavy hearts and life long memories we announce that Janet peacefully passed at home on Monday March 1st, being released from the suffering she was experiencing.
The loved and loving Janet was the Wife and Best Friend of Jack White for over 50 years. She was the Mother of John, supportive mother -in- law to Beth, and the adoring and proud Granny to her two beloved Grandsons Alexander (AJ) and Trevor. Janet was the sister of Ronald Bush and his wife Norma Jean and Aunt to Leslie Jane, Joel and their families. Janet was born and raised in Hamilton and experienced life growing up on the Mountain when open fields still extended to the brow. After graduating from high school and completing teachers college, Janet embarked on a life long career of teaching with the Board of Education for the City of Hamilton. Janet chose to work mainly in the most challenging neighbourhoods of the city so the children could learn the skills they would need to grow themselves and to move beyond the real or perceived barriers of their neighbourhoods. Many a child had a warm meal and clothes to wear because of Janet's generosity. Committed to learning, Janet through night school completed her Honours BA in 1974 and her Masters in Education in 1982 in addition to multiple professional courses and accreditations. Throughout her career, Janet strived to maintain her focus on the children in the classroom, in the library and while implementing elementary English education across the city. Many a child saw a world of opportunity first become a possibility to them through the eyes of Janet. Regardless of her professional accomplishments, she drew her greatest sense of accomplishment from the interaction she had with students and their successes were the high point of her career. Janet's vocal retirement wish of grandchildren was realized in her two grandsons, which were the delight of the second phase of her life. The diversity of their interests is a reflection of their grandmother always opening doors to the world of new experiences for them. In later life Janet found comfort and friendship in the pursuit of her lifelong interest in sewing. Family and friends have many fond memories of Janet and we will always treasure those related to our second home in Thornbury, the scene of many enjoyable escapades and family gatherings over the years. Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Wednesday from 7 â€" 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at St. John's Anglican Church, 2464 Dundas St. (at Guelph Line), Burlington on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at TBD. Cremation to follow. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington or the Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family.