Janet Lynn Molson

Passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home at the age of 53 after a 6-year struggle with cancer. Married for 24 years to her devoted husband, Sean Kelly, they raised their 3 children, Siobhan Molson-Kelly, Gabriel Molson-Kelly and Laura Molson-Kelly, together in their family home in Kitchener.

Born in Brockville, Ontario, she was the cherished daughter of Gary and Catherine Molson, and dearest sister to Steve Molson, and beloved aunt to Liam. Raised in Prescott, Ontario, Janet spent her early adulthood in Peterborough, Ontario, attending Trent University as well as Massage Therapy College before moving to Kitchener, Ontario. She was married to Sean in her home parish of Prescott in 2000.

Janet was a strong advocate for education, having completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and Irish Literature, and later her diploma in Massage Therapy. She practiced massage therapy for several years in Waterloo, Ontario before retiring to raise her three children. After the children were in school full time Janet began working in men’s shoes at The Bay in Kitchener, loving the challenge it presented. She later moved to eyeglass sales at a Hakim Optical store in Kitchener, working at and finally managing the store on Highland Avenue. She deeply enjoyed interacting with customers and took pride in organizing and managing the store. She stopped working in 2019 once her illness was discovered and treatment began.

Janet devoted her life to creating a home where her family could thrive, encouraging curiosity, education and a lifelong love of learning. She challenged her children to pursue their passion in both study and hobbies, encouraging artistic expression and steadfast resolve in interests. She loved to read to the children when they were still growing, and often gifted them books that reminded her of each of them.

All her life Janet had a deep love for crafting stories, either through writing or collaborative storytelling in tabletop roleplaying. While her writing tastes changed many times over the years her quick wit and deep imagination brought life to her characters and helped shape memorable tales and encounters. Her passion for history was always present in her characters and stories, weaving tales both familiar and new. Her love of the written word was also expressed in her collection of books, proudly displayed on the many bookshelves throughout her home.

Starting from a young age Janet always enjoyed travel. Beginning with family road trips as child and young adult, her first trip overseas in her later teens shaped a love for exploring other places and cultures. She traveled with her husband and children on many trips over the years both in and out of Canada and she decorated their home with memorabilia from their travels. Her favourite destination was Nova Scotia, where she and her husband aspired to eventually move. The shoreline, small towns and relaxing atmosphere reminded her of her early years in her riverside hometown.

As per Janet’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Remembrances will be held informally with friends and family groups. Donations may be made to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Janet’s memory.