Janet Grootveld (née Sypes)
November 29, 1959 - January 5, 2025
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janet Grootveld, who was taken from us far too soon on January 5th, 2025, in Barrie, Ontario, at the age of 65.
Janet was a devoted wife to John Grootveld, a loving mother to Sarah (Curtis) and Jonathan (Sheila), and a doting grandmother to Hendrick Grootveld, with a new grandbaby expected in spring 2025 through Sarah and her husband Curtis. She was also the beloved daughter of Norah and Denzil Sypes (predeceased) and cherished sister to David and Brad.
Janet was a woman of many talents and passions. A Registered Nurse for over 25 years at RVRHC Hospital in Barrie Ontario, she worked tirelessly in the Emergency and Post-Anesthetic Care Units, always extending her gentle and caring nature to patients and colleagues alike. Her dedication to helping others reached beyond her local community—through her work with Operation Smile Canada, Janet traveled the globe, including trips to China, Nicaragua, Madagascar, and Mexico, bringing life-changing medical care to children in need.
Her creative spirit was unmatched. Janet was a talented artist, skilled in mediums such as watercolors, charcoal, and colored pencil, sharing her art generously with friends, family, and colleagues. A true culinary artist, she was known for her warm and thoughtful home-cooked meals, always a comfort to those lucky enough to enjoy them. Janet also had a passion for her dogs, excelling in confirmation shows, rally obedience, and training in various disciplines as a cherished hobby.
Janet’s warmth and kindness created an extraordinary circle of friends across every chapter of her life, from nursing colleagues to fellow artists, dog enthusiasts, and members of her community. She was the heart of her family and formed meaningful connections everywhere she went, whether volunteering at the Barrie Art Club, teaching art classes, or simply offering her time and care to those in need.
Her adventurous spirit shone brightly in her love of travel, and her giving nature left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Janet’s ability to bring people together, inspire creativity, and spread kindness will remain her legacy. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Janet’s life will be announced at a later date. The family kindly requests photos of Janet or the temporary loan of any of her artwork for display during the celebration. For details on sharing these, please connect with Sarah Bayens (s.c.bayens@gmail.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Smile Canada, or Matthews House Hospice in Alliston, Ontario, honoring Janet’s commitment to care and compassion.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca
Though her time with us was far too short, the love and beauty Janet brought into this world will live on forever in our hearts.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Bill Brown
Posted on: Wednesday, January 8, 2025Janet was truly the amazing person. We did our PACU course together in Toronto at Centenary College.
Janet when she first moved to her historic house having given me two truckloads of dry firewood.
She took great pride in the restoration of her home. Her puppy was always close to her and a bird.
We worked in the ER and in Surgical Services as well.
We joked and enjoyed our work.
Janet will be truly missed.
Rest in peace my friend.
Bill Brown RN
France Asselin
Posted on: Wednesday, January 8, 2025I had the pleasure working with Janet in the Emergency Department at RVH
Truly devoted nurses and coworkers
Deepest sympathy to all the families 😢
Mary Anca
Posted on: Wednesday, January 8, 2025My deepest Condolences to you John, Sarah and Johnathan. Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time—and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready.”
Emily Chan
Posted on: Wednesday, January 8, 2025Janet was a loving and dedicated nurse. I always looked forward to working with her in PACU. She was a great person and approached every day with humor and kindness.
I will miss you Janet.
Susan Nahorney
Posted on: Thursday, January 9, 2025Janet was a very talented artist & good nurse. Had the pleasure of working with her a many of evenings and into the night! She captured a drawing of my late sister & I. I was able to give it to her before she passed. We greatly appreciated it. She also did a drawing for my husband, of him, myself & our dog Zoey. Janet was very helpful when we got Zoey as a puppy. We hadn’t had a puppy for many of years. Lots of encouragement & tips for my happy puppy Zoey. Janet will be missed. Sincerely, Suna
Wanda Sefl
Posted on: Thursday, January 9, 2025My siblings (Joe, Pat and Mike) and I were very saddened to hear about the passing of our lovely cousin, Janet. Our condolences to her family and friends.
Diana Church
Posted on: Friday, January 10, 2025I was deeply saddened to hear about Janet’s passing. I had the pleasure of placing her on an Operation Smile surgical program in 2018. She was full of compassion, resilience, integrity and made an incredible impact to children born with cleft lip and palate in the countries where she volunteered as a pre and post-operative nurse. Her selflessness and kindness will always be remembered, and her spirit lives on in the countless patients she cared for on our programs. Rest in peace Janet.
Susan O’Neill (Casselman)
Posted on: Friday, January 10, 2025So very sorry to hear this news of Janet passing.
We lived apart from one another and didn’t connect over the years however I have many fond childhood memories of her when we visited each other .
She was always fun to be around.
My condolences to her family and friends!! ❤️Her cousin Susan.
Constable Janis
Posted on: Saturday, January 11, 2025I worked with Janet for ten years in the RVH ER, and I remember her kindness. She cared about her patients and she cared about her colleagues.
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. I pray that sweet memories of her love and her laughter will bring comfort to her family.
I will miss her. 🕊️
Ulla Gamberg
Posted on: Monday, January 13, 2025It was heartbreaking to hear about Janet’s passing! A more genuine, compassionate and kind soul is hard to find!
I met Janet close to 10 years ago when she inquired about my dogs. Over the years we went to dog shows together and she became a close friend.
She was also an active and important part of the Swedish Vallhund Club of Canada.
Janet was loved and cherished by everyone who was lucky to have met her!
My deepest condolences goes out to her family in these trying times!!
You are all in my thoughts!!
Janet, you will be missed by many! Rest in Peace!