JANET An abiding memory of Janet goes back to Christmas morning, 2022. Our extended family had nearly filled two pews of St Barnabas’ Church in Fendalton, and my partner Geraldine and I had to squeeze next to Janet. She was, as always, the quintessential English lass: quietly mannered, impeccably tailored, her own person as always – and perfectly at home in the old church. The liturgy was modern but the music proclaimed the age-old Christmas story. Of course we stood early on to sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing. What would Christmas morning be without that glorious anthem? The congregation of untrained voices made a brave show of the first and second verses. The third verse and chorus, however, served up a surprise. A woman’s voice suddenly soared into the descant, eclipsing all, and Geraldine and I were startled into silence by the beauty and the purity. The singer was Janet. A herald angel in our midst, no less. And here’s a wondrous parallel: an experience that most of us have shared at some point in our lives… I mean the experience of walking through a country meadow and disturbing a skylark, then seeing it ascend on a heavenly trill. You know it surely. Which brings us back to the abiding memory of Janet. On this day of sadness and loss, might we hold to the metaphor of Janet climbing into the blue – like a skylark? Up and away, leaving behind her earthbound mortality… Shedding the ravages of her cancer… and the disappointment of seeing her brilliant career cut short… and most of all, the distress of leaving Torrie and Jamie and Ailsa, along with other dear hearts. Shedding all, as she flies up, up and away – Into a blue beyond all our imaginings… Janet, ever our beautiful skylark – and yes, still singing.

Dearest Janet, rest in peace. Our thoughts are with Torrie, Jamie and Ailsa. You have left a beautiful legacy xx

I'm so thankful to have known this beautiful woman from not long before she met Torrie. Although our friendship has been more mostly been from afar, we always picked up where we last left off, usually over a cup of tea. These last five years you have faced the battle so gracefully and with such courage. My life is richer from having known you and I will continue to be inspired by you. Much love to Torrie and Jamie as you learn to live on with your loss but with such a legacy of an amazing woman. Xx

Dear Janet, my thoughts are with your family - especially Torrie and Jamie. I hope that you are in a happy place somewhere in the universe - drinking cups of earl grey tea, playing your violin and Scottish country dancing. You will be greatly missed.

I will always treasure our many happy times making music together, and sharing the joys and challenges of work and family life. You are a wonderful person who somehow managed to keep your calm and unruffled nature even through the tough times. Much love, Justine

So sorry cousin x

Och, our dear Janet. A flower whose bloom is shed but treasured forever. With great love and sorrow.

Dear Torrie and Jamie, Cam, Linda and Marcus, Eleanor and Josephine, we are so sad for the loss of your beautiful talented Janet. May her funeral be a celebration of her life as you gather with family and friends to mourn her passing. Much love, Margaret and Jon xxx