Obituary
Atkinson; Janet
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of the beloved Janet Atkinson on
Monday October 17th. Janet, also known to many as Nanny, lived a life of elegance. She was gracious,
clever, and kind, with great humour and wit, who grounded all with love and joy. Our memories
together will always glow with her warmth and laughter. Janet had an open-door policy and welcomed
all to drop by for a coffee, tea, or something a little stronger. She beamed with gratitude when
surrounded by her family saying, “How lucky we are!”
Janet was born in Massachusetts, but as a young girl moved back home to her beloved Nova Scotia. She
was so much to so many. She was a cherished daughter, a little sister, a tomboy, a loyal friend and a
fierce sportsman at Edgehill School for Girls in Windsor, Nova Scotia. She was a wonderful
conversationalist with a genuine interest in the world and made fast friends with people of all ages. She
was a faithful wife, a loving mother and a homemaker. She was Nanny to her eight grandchildren and
four great grandchildren. Janet was an aunt to many, a sister in-law, trusted friend, tennis fanatic,
wonderful cook, and an avid reader. She loved swimming in the ocean and riding her horse at her
second home out at Glen Oro Farm, where she would ride up the mountain and watch the sunrise with
her friends beside her. Janet volunteered at the Orillia Public Library, Helping Hands, and she was a
fundraiser for fifty-five years for the Red Cross and the Canadian Cancer Society. She was eternally
grateful to Toronto General Hospital’s Dr. Cole and his staff for performing her kidney transplant,
lovingly donated by her son John, in 2007. This added so many wonderful years to her life and enabled
her to know and love her four great grandchildren. This operation was performed on Mother’s Day and
Dr. Cole said she was truly receiving a special gift.
Janet freely gave so much of herself to others. But perhaps her greatest gift of all was how she seemed
to effortlessly give her undivided attention to whomever she was with, be it family, friends or even
strangers. Because she cared so much, they all walked away feeling special, because in Janet’s heart,
everyone was special. Everything Janet represented will live in our hearts forever.
Janet was devoted to her late husband Doug Atkinson, lovingly referred to as Grumpy, and is survived by
her sons, Jeff (Barb), John, Ross (Cecilia), and Stuart (Colette). By her grandchildren, Josh (Shylah), Joe,
Alex, Grace, Cassidy, Tyler, Meghan, Kyle and Portia. As well as her great grandchildren, Sophia, Olivia,
Amelia, and Jameson.
To our Matriarch, Nanny and friend, we love you, we’ll miss you and we pray you rest in peace. This isn’t
a goodbye but a see you later, or as Janet would say “tah tah for now.”
A celebration of life will be held at Glen Oro Farm on Saturday, November 5th from 1pm-3pm. Sympathy
may be expressed through donations to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Janet Atkinson February 2 1930 October 17 2022 (age 92)..
Death notice for the town of: Orillia, Province: Ontario