June 9, 2021
Janet passed away in Nanaimo after a short illness on June 9, 2021 at the age of 82.
She is survived by her children: Debby Ward, Mary-Ann (Laurie) Cranton and Chris Ward; grandson Justin and great grandson Jayden. Also survived by her sister Barbara Robinson and her partner Dale Friesen.
She was predeceased by her three husbands: Darrell Ward, Robert Manuel and George Spares, and by her brother Douglas Robinson.
She was the oldest child of Grant and Helen (Butler) Robinson and was born on her parents' farm in Waterville, Kings Co Nova Scotia on Sept 18, 1938.
After her father joined the RCAF in WW2 the family lived on several air force bases before he retired back to NS. Janet spent her life at a multitude of jobs starting as a telephone operator in Gimli and ending in Halifax as a contract janitor with her husband George.
She first retired to Margaree Centre to be near her daughter Mary-Ann and then to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island to be near her sister, Barb. She spent her last few years in Oak Tree Manor with her partner Dale.
She was a master knitter and won several 1st Place ribbons at the VI Exhibition. She was a very involved member of her church, St Andrew's United, singing in the choir, manning the craft table at the Church Teas and joining in the pastoral visits. She loved to dance, sing and laugh. She always had a good comeback to any conversation. She claimed that being a "lefty" explained all her weirdness.
Janet was always on the go, always walking, always knitting, and always talking until her lung disease stopped her. She will be greatly missed.
A special thank you to the medical staff at NRGH's 4th Floor, HAU and palliative care units.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.