Janet Clare MacDonald (née Gemmill) passed away peacefully at Woods Park in Barrie on February 17, 2024 at the age of 85 surrounded by family.  Born in South Porcupine, Ontario, Janet grew up on Duff Road outside Cloudslee, Algoma District.

She had a long career as a nurse and worked at the Barrie Jail for over 24 years, retiring as Head Nurse.  In retirement she had a full social calendar travelling with friends, attending her grandchildren’s activities, curling, golfing, knitting, and was a member of Burton Avenue United Church for 50 years.  Often seen sitting with a cat on her lap and eating sweets, we will remember Janet for her sense of humour and infectious hearty chuckle.

 

Janet is remembered by her cherished big family.  Predeceased by her parents Annie Duff (née Pace) and Roy Gemmill, as well as her beloved big brother Royden (Joan).  Janet was the loving mother of six sons: Brad (Heather), Brian (Charmaine), Brent, Keith (Sue), Kent (Mary Ann), Kevin (Leigh), and daughter-in-law Maureen.  Treasured Nana to her sixteen grandchildren: Brittany (Dave), Brandon (Meagan), Brady, Allison, Rachel (Mike), Shannon (Dean), Ryan, Clarissa (Gill), Courtney, Nathan, Evan (Khloe), Emma (Gavin), Riley (Matt), Jordan, Sarah, and Graydon.  Also Nana to her four great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Kain, Huxley, and Saylor.  Sister-in-law of the late Clayton (Betty), the late Ellis (Marjorie), Jim (late Pat), and the late Jeanette Halcrow (late Bill).

 

Janet’s family thanks the entire staff at Woods Park for their excellent care these past few years.

 

A visitation will be held at Burton Avenue United Church on Friday, April 19th, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Service at Burton Avenue United Church on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., reception to follow downstairs.

Inurnment will take place on July 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Cloudslee Cemetery (954 Cloudslee Rd, Bruce Mines, ON) a luncheon will follow from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bruce Station Hall (109 Station Rd, Bruce Mines, ON).

 

The service will be livestreamed for anyone not able to attend in person, for the link to watch please click here - The livestream will begin approximately 10 minutes prior to the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burton Avenue United Church (burtonavenueunited.com/donate) or to a charity of your choice.

 

Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via https://www.peacefultransition.ca/

Peaceful Transition Simcoe

CONDOLENCES

5 Condolences
  • Betty Rainey
    Posted on: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Reply

    My thoughts and prayers for Janet’s entire family. She was amazing to work with at the Barrie Jail for 20 years, always helping people with a smile, always there for you, no matter what. Rest in peace Janet, you will be missed by many♥️

  • Bryan Reif
    Posted on: Thursday, February 22, 2024 Reply

    So sorry for your loss my friend. You are in my prayers.

  • Susan Murphy
    Posted on: Thursday, February 22, 2024 Reply

    Michael and I send are condolences to Janet’s six sons and families. Janet was an upstanding citizen within our community. She volunteered 🙋‍♀️ for many charities. Our love and prayers to all. Michael and Susan Murphy

  • Steve Weston
    Posted on: Saturday, February 24, 2024 Reply

    My deepest condolences to Brent, Kevin and the whole family on the loss of your mom. She was a joy to work with at the Barrie Jail.
    On behalf of Sandy & myself, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Grace Family
    Posted on: Thursday, March 7, 2024 Reply

    Dear Brad and all the MacDonald Family,
    I have wiped away many tears but am grateful your mom is at peace. I’d also like to thank you for sharing your beautiful momma with us, as the memories of the pool and playing with the cats remain.
    Understanding your mom’s faith and belief she will see all of you again, no doubt gave her peace and I admire her commitment to God. What I admire even more is what she did while on earth, as she embraced the joy of family, friends, education, community…and made a difference each and every day. Thinking of your mom’s life has me highlighting her very special gift of making the world a better place, something that will live on in her children, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, as you are all incredible people.
    We love all of you and know you are in our thoughts and hearts.
    Love Patti and the Grace Family

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