Passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at the Ottawa General Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Born in Guelph, Ontario, Janet was the cherished daughter of Elmer “Dick” Lasby and Dorothy “Jean” Lasby, both predeceased. She grew up with her siblings Patricia, Laura, and Brian (her brother Robert passed away in infancy).
Janet shared 47 devoted years of marriage with her beloved husband, Paul. She was a proud and caring mother to Rachel and Sara, and an adoring grandmother, lovingly known as “Gran Jan,” to Chase, Ezra, Wyatt, and Asher.
In her younger years, Janet worked as an Early Childhood Educator, where her natural gift for nurturing young hearts was evident. She was endlessly creative, writing poems for others, making cross-stitch and knitted treasures, playing instruments including the autoharp and tongue drum, and filling her home with music. She also loved nature and photography, capturing the beauty of the outdoors through her lens.
She treasured time with friends at the Greenboro Community Centre and, more recently, found connection and support within the Maplesoft-Jones Centre, run by the Ottawa Cancer Foundation. Guided by compassion and empathy, Janet always put others first. Her vibrant energy and love of life touched everyone she met, bringing people together and leaving a lasting impact. Even in the toughest moments, her warmth, optimism and courage remained unwavering.
We will miss her sparkling spirit and joy, and we will honor her every day by carrying her light forward.
Below are three charities that meant a lot to Janet, if people wish to make donations:
CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) Foundation
The Ottawa Humane Society
The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation
