It is with profound sadness that we say good-bye to our beloved Janet (Jan), who left us on July 24, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with kidney failure and complications related to dialysis and an autoimmune blood disorder.
Janet Gertrude Gauthier was born in February 1951 and raised in Schreiber, Ontario, in a small log home alongside her 8 siblings. From humble beginnings, she developed the determination, creativity, and compassion that would define her life. As one of the older children in the family, Jan naturally embraced a nurturing role. She learned to sew and knit at a young age, lovingly creating dresses for her younger sisters and crafting beautiful mittens, hats, and scarves that were treasured by all who received them.
As a teenager, Jan worked as a waitress at the Mountainview Restaurant in Schreiber, owned by Art and Evelyn Dunning. Her cheerful disposition, warm smile, and genuine kindness made her a favorite among customers. Following high school, she began working at the Schreiber Credit Union, where she gained valuable experience in office administration.
Driven by a desire to help others, Jan later returned to school and earned a Degree in Social Work from Lakehead University. She found great fulfillment in her work and eventually returned to the Schreiber–Terrace Bay area, where she dedicated herself to supporting individuals and families including Indigenous communities, who benefited from her joyous and helpful spirit.
Her commitment to community and service led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work (Community Development) in Waterloo, Ontario. It was then, with their shared connection to Lakehead University, she met the love of her life, Michael Gauthier. Together they built a happy life in Scarborough, where they shared 25 years of companionship, laughter, and mutual support.
Throughout her career and into retirement, Jan remained devoted to helping others. Whether through her professional work, her friendships, or the quiet acts of kindness she offered every day, she brought comfort, encouragement, and happiness to those around her. Retirement brought her several peaceful and fulfilling years in the home she shared with Michael in Scarborough, Ontario.
Together, Jan and Michael created a beautiful home surrounded by mature trees and the songs of birds in their cherished Scarborough backyard. Jan found great joy tending her garden, especially her beloved zinnias, and many peaceful hours were spent relaxing on the backyard swing or enjoying a coffee on the deck.
Jan and Michael loved gathering family, friends and neighbours around their table. She welcomed coworkers and friends from her time as a Social Worker, including those from the Canadian Mental Health Association, and including Michael’s coworkers and students from Centennial College. She had a gift for hospitality, always setting a welcoming table and serving delicious homemade meals. Cooking and baking were among her greatest pleasures, and she was constantly preparing thoughtful packages filled with casseroles, soups, fresh breads, baked goods, and other treats. Every package was assembled with extraordinary care and, above all, love. Her pies were legendary—enjoyed, requested, and remembered by everyone fortunate enough to taste them. Family members, friends, neighbours, and Michael’s fishing buddies were all recipients of her generosity.
She also treasured time spent at Bluffer’s Park, a favourite family destination where she enjoyed walks along the beach and meals at the Bluffer’s Restaurant. Equally treasured were the stories she loved to share about her years in Northern Ontario. Sitting comfortably in her chair, often with a plate of snacks prepared for her audience, Jan would recount memories of adventure, family, and simpler times. With a sparkle in her eye and a familiar laugh, she transported listeners back to those cherished years and left them smiling along with her.
Jan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Michael; her stepdaughters Michelle (John) and Samantha (Scott); her mother Isabelle Roffey; her brothers Tom, Russ (Kimi), and Don; her sisters Dorothy (Doug), Judy (Wally), and Carol (Paul); her sister-in-law Marie (Stephen); her brothers-in-law Peter (Jill) and Christopher (Debbie); and their families. Jan also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, including Amy (Deane), Wes, Shannon (Mike), Brian (Paula), and Teslyn, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by Jan’s warmth, kindness, and love.
Jan was the kindest soul imaginable. Her grace, dignity, generosity, and unwavering compassion will be remembered always. Her warm smile, infectious laugh, and caring spirit remain a lasting gift to everyone who knew and loved her.
Jan was predeceased by those who have welcomed her into eternity, and now leave her memory to be cherished by all of us here whose lives she touched.
Yes, our hearts are heavy. Jan and the memories we have of her have made our lives better. We do now and, we will always remember how much she gave to each of us.
Jan’s “Celebration-of-Life” will be on Friday September 18th at Bluffers Restaurant inside Bluffer’s Park (7 Brimley Road South on the waterfront) from 12 noon to 5pm. Dedications and the memories of Jan from Family and Friends will be at 2:30pm.
If possible, please RSVP your intensions to Gauthier_md@hotmail.com
To express condolences and place pictures online in jpeg format, please refer to “Aftercare Cremation & Burial Service” (www.aftercare.org)
Considering Jan’s dedication to people in need, it is appreciated if donations in Jan’s name could be given to:
Scott Mission and/or
Good Shepherd Ministries and/or
North Shore Harvest Cupboard
nsharvest@gmail.com
Schreiber, ON
Also, a Tree will be planted, and a Bench installed, with dedications to Jan in Bluffer’s Park along a path she enjoyed walking with Michael.
