Janet Elizabeth Slater, born March 29, 1962, in Galt, Ontario, to Douglas and Carole Wilson, grew up with her younger brother David, filling their home with laughter and love. Music was Janet’s heartbeat—she danced at Elvis’s concert in Detroit and swooned over Shaun Cassidy at the Ex with her best friend and mom, likely singing along to every word. A talented musician, she played piano, saxophone, french horn, and more in the high school and city bands, but shied away from the spotlight. Brilliant yet humble, Janet never raised her hand in class, even when she knew the answer, always letting others shine first—a true reflection of her generous spirit.

Janet had her heart set on Mike Slater for years, cleverly finding excuses to join his family’s Sunday dinners through her friendship with his sister. Caught sneaking peeks at Mike playing soccer through the window, she wasn’t ashamed to say, “I’m going to marry him one day.” Her intuition never steered her wrong. One Sunday, when her dad’s tractor-trailer blocked her car in the driveway, she begged for it to be moved to avoid missing—um, time with Mike’s sister. Her dad tossed her the keys, saying, “If it’s that important, drive the truck!” So, Janet did, rolling up to the Slater house in a tractor-trailer – nothing would stop her from those Sunday Dinners! That spark led them becoming best friends, to their first home together in Preston in 1986, a wedding in 1987, and the beginning of a whole new chapter to their love story.

When Janet married Mike, she welcomed his son Michael with open arms, embracing him as her own. Their family grew with Kevin in May 1989, Grant in May 1991, and Megan in May 1995—curiously, all born nine months after Mike’s birthday! Janet was the quintessential Mom, always there with unwavering love tailored to each child’s unique needs. Michael, Kevin, Grant, and Megan were the heart of her world, and she met them where they were, building cherished memories and deep bonds that they’ll carry forever.

In 2005, Janet, Mike, Kevin, Grant, and Megan traded Cambridge for the wide-open spaces of Grasshill, kicking off a fresh chapter. Soon after settling into life in the country, Mike and the boys were out on the porch, firing a BB gun at the mailbox for target practice. Curious, Janet joined in, taking the gun for a spin. Turns out Janet was a crack shot, hitting the mailbox dead on every time! She was sure that the boys were pulling a prank with sound effects, but upon inspection of the mailbox they found her marks…all in the same spot! Bragging rights earned, her demeanor quickly changed when she walked back in the house and caught Jeff Foxworthy on TV declaring “You know you are a redneck when…you shoot BB’s off your front porch…at your own mailbox!” Laughing, Janet said “I’m not ready to be a redneck yet!”—her humor shining as bright as her aim.

The Slater family cherished their camping trips, especially at Sauble Beach, where they’ll gather again in just a few weeks. Janet was in her element, tossing cornhole bags, dealing euchre and cribbage hands, or piecing together jigsaw puzzles by the campfire’s glow. Family game nights with friends were her favorite, she challenged the boys to play Wordle daily and every game was filled with laughter and friendly rivalries.  Janet’s playful spirit made every game a memory, binding the family together in joy and love.

Janet’s creative spark shone brightly in her knack for building businesses from the ground up. She poured her heart into Janet’s Home Accents in Fenelon Falls, Whimsy in Beaverton, and her latest venture, Back Road Living, delighting many of you with her unique creations. Janet thrived in the start-up buzz, inspiring others with her vision and generosity. She loved mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, like Designs by Dylan, offering spot-on advice and encouragement with a smile. Her nurturing, small-town spirit wove love and support into the fabric of our community, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Janet’s door was always open, day or night, welcoming everyone with her trademark warmth. She took in her kids’ friends—sometimes for weeks, months, or even years—offering patience, love, and a safe haven without hesitation. As one friend put it, “Janet would give you the shirt off her back, but then she’d make you take the shoes to match, and likely the necklace and purse too!” Her generous spirit sparked happiness, forgiveness, and compassion, making every moment with her lively and fun. Simply put, Janet was loved by all, her kindness leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.

Janet loved many sports. Figure skating was her passion and how she met some of her most cherished, life-long friends. Mike recalls watching the Blue Jays together, cheering them to victory during their World Series glory and even meeting the team. She was a Toronto Maple Leafs fan too, with Cujo and Felix Potvin holding special places in her heart, but Tie Domi was her hero – so much so, she named a pet fish Tie and a dog Domi! One lucky day, Kevin and Mike spotted Tie in Toronto while having lunch. After a lively chat, Mike snagged an autograph for Janet, knowing she’d demand proof of their encounter—Tie happily obliged! Janet hung that autograph on the wall for years! Janet’s passion for music was just as fierce, from rocking out to the Bay City Rollers at Rama to dancing at Hedley’s ACC concert with Megan and her friends. While everyone else was ready to leave, Janet insisted on sneaking backstage, scoring an arm autograph she proudly refused to wash off for a week!

Janet was a beacon of love for her whole family. She cherished being a Grandma to 5-year-old Riely, who absolutely loves dinosaurs. Her joy as a Grandma was immense, matched only by her pride as a mom. Just a few weeks ago, Janet beamed as the proud mother of the bride at Megan and Aaron’s wedding. When Megan first brought Aaron home, Janet’s kindness and generosity overflowed as she welcomed him with open arms. Recently, her joy overflowed at Megan’s ultrasound, where she watched the screen with love as the technician pointed out five fingers, five toes, and a strong heartbeat. With her classic humor, Janet piped up, “Well that sure looks like a scrotum to me!” The tech laughed, “Yep, it’s a boy!” Tears flowed as Janet’s heart burst with pride, a precious memory of her boundless love for her growing family.

With Janet, life was like a song—you had to savor every note. If you pulled into the driveway and a tune was halfway through, she’d insist, “No way, we’re not turning off the car or getting out until it’s done!” Whether it was a rock anthem or a soft ballad, Janet lived for the full experience, pouring her heart into every moment. That was Janet—vibrant, welcoming, and full of love, always making sure everyone felt the rhythm of her warmth. 

Janet’s love for her family, music, animals, and community wove a melody that still plays in our hearts. She lived with a zest that made every day brighter. As a daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma and friend she created a safe space where laughter, happiness, and love flourished. Now it is our responsibility to carry Janet’s song forward—her joy, her generosity, her unshakable belief in love and kindness. Let’s finish every tune, embrace every moment, and keep her light shining with grateful hearts.

Mom loved creativity, she loved expressionism but most of all she loved friends and family. Every single person here today, she loved you. She loved bragging about you. 

Whether it was coming home from a genealogy conference sharing how she and Roberta may or may not have found a great great grand uncle Herbert; or telling everyone who would listen about how Grant saved a plumbing customer a lot of money by finding something that the last guy couldn’t. Or how Meg did not need to be saving yet ANOTHER animal. Smiling with pride the whole time because she knew she would have done the exact same thing. 

She would come home from a trip to Cambridge to tell us glowingly about how excited her grandson Riely was about his parkour class… or did you know that Brian taking extra shifts at the hospital is working like 28 hours a day now?

Mom drew energy by talking with her friends. She loved you all so much. Going into town to see the new stores and fashions her friends had in, or even just calling to talk about the newest episode of Oak Island.

She made friends everywhere she went. A quick trip to get a necessary item turned into hours standing at a cart with nothing in it yet. Her store was run with the same kindness and inviting nature she was known for. Like the product but unsure if it fits in your space? Bring it home and try it! If you like it, come back and pay for it whenever! Mom loved all of us and we all loved her.

That’s why we are here today. To share our adventures and moments that made Mom so precious to us all. Because I can guarantee you that right now she’s telling great uncle Herbert how fantastic you are.

When I asked Janet’s family, “If Janet were an animal, what would she be?” Mike, Kevin, Grant, and Megan all agreed: a bird. Whether a cardinal, peacock, blue jay, or thrush, they saw her soaring spirit. Grant smiled, recalling Janet’s words: “If I get to choose how I reincarnate, I’m coming back as a bird!” That was Janet—free, vibrant, and always lifting those around her with her love and laughter and song.

Like a bird, Janet built a nest—her home—a warm, welcoming haven where everyone felt safe and loved, just as she wove her family and friends together with care. Her laughter was a bird’s song, bright and joyful, spreading happiness like a melody carried on the breeze. In many cultures, birds symbolize freedom, hope, and a bridge between earth and sky. Janet embodied this, her open heart connecting us all. As we remember her, we feel her presence soaring in our hearts, her song of love echoing, guiding us with light and gratitude.

It isn’t a surprise that Janet’s family sensed the Spirit of the Bird in her, when Janet was such a vibrant presence for each of us. “Legends say that birds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. A bird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.” (Papryus)