Janet Helen Carruthers
January 16, 1928 – January 28, 2018
Died peacefully in her 91st year with her family at her side after a sudden illness. Born in London England to Edward and May Shorey, she was the eldest sister of (late)Ted, Patricia and Daphne and the matriarch of our family. Evacuated to Cornwall in 1940, she and her siblings returned to London in 1941 to live through the Blitz and all the horrors of WWII. Towards the end of WWII, as soon as they were old enough and in keeping with a family heritage of service to their country (her grandfather served in India and her father in the first and second world wars) Janet and her brother Ted joined the Royal Navy and served with pride. After her service, and with a keen mind for numbers, Janet began working for Lange Maxwell and Springer in an accounting role and in 1953 adventured to Toronto, Canada to open the Canadian office with her boss Robert Maxwell. She moved on into banking and while working at the Bank of Nova Scotia she met and married her beloved husband of 60 years J. Dennis Carruthers. The rippling impact of her trailblazing resulted in her parents, sisters, niece and friends eventually also coming to Canada to make a life well lived. Janet and Dennis had 2 children Sandra (Colin Pettit) and John, but also cared for many other close family and friends over the years in keeping with their generous and caring values. This included many creatures great and small as their home became a sanctuary for many an orphaned, injured or adopted creature including their beloved Louie. Jan and Dennis’ home was full of fun and lively times, an open door to a visit, a cup of tea or beverage of choice and interesting conversation. Grandchildren Stephanie (Nick), Steven, Amy and Finn are her pride and joy and she delighted in being their loving and devoted supporter. With a wonderful British sense of humour Janet was an inquisitive, forward-thinking, stylish, unassuming, compassionate, enduring and courageous woman who was a warm,lively and loyal friend to many people from all walks of life. An avid follower of current affairs and innovation, she loved music, dancing, and was an exceptional whistler, proud Londoner and Brit. She was the family memory keeper with a library of photographs, books, clippings and stories she kept to help our future understand it’s past. She instilled a sense of compassion, courtesy, manners and fair-play in her children and grandchildren, and held us to her high standards. Janet was active and involved in many organizations over her retirement including the Jubilate group, Scarborough Chapter of the Osteoporosis Society and CNIB. She had many amazing friends and supporters who will carry on with her at their side in spirit.
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Our love and thanks to all the wonderful friends, neighbours and family who have extended their s and support. Our heartfelt gratitude to the fabulous caregivers who helped her make 90, most specially to her family doctor Dr. Betty Hum and her caregivers Medi and Cleara.
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As per her wishes a private cremation has taken place. Details to follow for celebration service will be available at basicfunerals.ca. A 90th birthday party/60th wedding anniversary will happen in late spring. In Jan’s honour please consider feeding the birds, being kind to animals or calling a friend to chat. If desired please donate to a charity of your choice.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Janet Helen Carruthers January 16 1928 January 28 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Mississauga, Province: Ontario
