Janet Maher – In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Irene Maher on July 11th, 2023, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.

Janet was predeceased by her wonderful mother, Barbara, and will be deeply missed by her beloved daughter, Joanne, her son-in-law, Fedor, her cat, Jess, her brothers John and Tony and their families, and her numerous good friends.

Born on October 6th, 1943, in Binghamton, New York, Janet always loved to read and to analyze literature. She pursued degrees in English literature, initially at Harpur College in upstate New York, and then at the University of Toronto and York University. Later on, she embarked on a career as a professor at Seneca College and at the University of Shanghai. Janet particularly loved the writings and novels of Virginia Woolf. After her retirement, she joined the Academy where she co-facilitated workshops on T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf  and actively participated in other workshops.

Janet loved biking and working out at the YMCA. She loved celebrating holidays and decorating her home with mementos that she found on her travels. She was a gracious and generous host. She had an exceptional talent for forming and sustaining lasting friendships. She also loved to travel, which she did extensively.

She fought cancer with nobility and grace. Her legacy is that she positively affected all who met her by encouraging them to be who they are and to live their lives well. She will be deeply missed by all.

To view the complete obituary, click the link below:

https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/theglobeandmail/name/janet-maher-obit?id=52513911.

Tanya Long, with thanks to Joanne Maher.