HEATH, Janet Elizabeth Heath

Obituary for Janet Elizabeth Heath

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Elizabeth Heath on June 24th, 2025, at the age of 62. She bravely fought a very brief but intense battle with lung cancer at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville and Oshawa. The caregivers at these hospitals were amazing and she and her loved ones greatly appreciated their expertise and their kindness during this difficult time.

Janet was a person with many families.

She was predeceased by her adoptive parents, Ernie and Marg and her Grampie and Ella. She will be missed by her big brothers and their families: Gord and Carole and their sons George and Evan; Rick and Lorraine and their sons David (Madi) and Derek (Erika). Janet’s aunts, uncles and cousins will also feel her loss, and particularly so for her cousins Marie Nelson and Rina Young.

Janet had connected with her birth family and built a relationship with Danielle (sister), Kandyce (niece) and Ryley (grandnephew).

Then there are the families she embraced as her own: The Blakeleys (Michelle, Krista and Matt), The Chapples (Lauren, Karen, Brayden and Cayden), her Mary Street Sisters (Retica, Kim and Lindsay) and, of course, the Barbershop and Harmony Ranch communities.

Last but not least are her two furry daughters, Laverne and Shirley. Before she adopted the girls, she got Marie to promise to take them if anything happened to her. They have settled into their new home quite well and are getting lots of love.

Janet also has a vast network of friends. She had a profound ability to love and made deep and lasting bonds with many people. She was especially close to Deb Gillis, Pamela White and Jackie Poynter.

Janet always wanted to be a teacher but took a circuitous path to the profession. She began her career as an occasional teacher with the Durham District School Board in 2006 and did that for a number of years. Her long-term contract at Westney Heights Public School in a developmental classroom was challenging but rewarding. Janet began teaching full time at Mary Street Community School. Her students meant a great deal to her, and she did her best to connect with each of them. She became the union steward for the school and was a strong voice for the staff.

Gardener, bowler, gay rights advocate, human rights advocate, restaurant connoisseur, charity supporter, writer, music lover, the list goes on. Mostly she loved her people and her animals and she loved to laugh. Janet’s big heart and warm hugs will be missed by many for a long time to come.

If so desired, a memorial donation to your local food bank would be appreciated.

A celebration of life is being planned.

NEWCASTLE FUNERAL HOME