Janet Lynn McPherson

With love and sorrow, we share the passing of Janet Lynn McPherson, who died peacefully at the age of 78 on September 17th 2025 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Janet's life was marked by kindness, service, and unconditional love, and she will be deeply missed.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Gordon McPherson (2014). Married for 53 years, Gordon and Janet were partners in every sense of the word and shared a rare love that was unwavering; in each other, they found home. They are now reunited once again.

Janet will be remembered with love by her children, Susan Marriott (Robert) and Robert McPherson (Anne). She was a cherished Grandma to Lillian, Oliver, Scotlynne, and Bryar. She will be missed by her brother Jon Underhill (Deb), sisters-in-law Alicia Underhill and Ruth Otterman, and nieces and nephews Shelley, Marc, Chris, Katie, and Tim, and their families.

Janet was predeceased by her parents Jane "Jean" (2008) and Ernest Underhill (1987), and her brother E. James "Jim" Underhill (2006).

Raised in Cambridge, Janet carried deep roots in Preston and in St. John's Anglican Church, where her family helped lay the cornerstone. Janet remained an active and committed member of the church for her entire life - teaching Sunday school for 25 years, serving as a warden and parish council member, welcoming others at the door, and volunteering faithfully at the church food bank.

Janet's love was best expressed through acts of care. A gifted baker, she filled her freezer with homemade treats ready to be shared at any moment. She showed up for her community, often with trays of sandwiches or baked goods for church gatherings and community events. Janet gave her time and her love freely, never expecting any recognition - her joy was in giving.

After years devoted to raising her children, Janet returned to school in her 40s. She graduated from Conestoga College's Educational Assistant Program in June of 1991. She went on to serve as a dedicated EA with the Waterloo Region District School Board, at Grand View Public School and William G. Davis Senior Public School. With patience and encouragement, she supported generations of children in Math, Literacy, and English as a Second Language. Janet loved to teach - not just in her profession, but by nature. She cared greatly about her students, only hoping to make a difference for them. And she did.

Above all, Janet's heart belonged to her family. Her love for her family ran deep and she poured herself into her children and grandchildren with the same quiet devotion she gave to everything else - needing only the comfort of knowing her family was safe, supported, and loved. As a grandmother, Janet was extraordinary. Even when distance kept her from being with her grandchildren, she always found ways to stay close - sending holiday-themed cookies to decorate, art projects to complete, and other packages filled with love and creativity. She never missed an opportunity to show up for them; whether it was a dance recital, a baseball game, or other event, she was there cheering them on.

Janet's family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Cambridge Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care of Janet.

Janet's family would like to invite the community she loved to join them in celebrating her life on Saturday, October 4th 2025. If they wish, guests are invited to wear a bit of blue - Janet's favourite colour. Guests are also invited to bring a non-perishable food donation for the St. John's Anglican Church Food Bank. A funeral service will take place at St. John's Anglican Church at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the parish hall, where food, memories and laughter will be shared in her honour.

In true Janet fashion, there will be baked goods to enjoy - her final batch, lovingly made and waiting in her freezer, just like always. A sweet parting gift from someone who never stopped giving.

A private family interment will take place at Parklawn Cemetery, where Janet and Gordon will be reunited once again.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Janet's memory to St. John's Anglican Church, particularly to their Food Bank.