Janet Mary Kathleen Hassall (née Dodge)

Janet Mary Kathleen Hassall passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of her sons, John and Matt; her goddaughter, Janet Morandin; and her dear sister, Kathleen Cooper. Predeceased by her beloved husband Edward (Ted) Hassall on January 29, 2025, and by her parents, James and Kathleen Dodge. Janet was a devoted mother to her two sons, John Hassall (Meladi Mathobela) and Matt Hassall (Rachelle Pinnow) and a proud grandmother to Miles, Sterling, Sima, Lita, Matthew, Olivia, and Jake. She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews: Janet, Kirk, Jason, Scott F., Scott B., Mark, Adam, and Lauren. Janet was a cherished sister to Linda Shebaylo, Kathleen Cooper, James (Jim) Dodge, Rosemary Floquet, and Mary Beattie.

Janet spent most of her childhood in Montreal and earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from McMaster University.  She married Ted Hassall in 1970 and together they moved to Niagara Falls to raise their family. Janet served as Director of Social Work at Greater Niagara General Hospital, where she led a distinguished and compassionate career. Her dedication to helping others left a lasting mark not only in her professional achievements but in the lives she profoundly changed. One such life was that of Gloria, who credited Janet with saving her.

In retirement, Janet's unwavering dedication to her community only deepened. A tireless volunteer, she devoted countless hours to Project SHARE, where she assisted families in need with empathy, warmth, and grace. In 2013, her efforts were recognized by the City of Niagara Falls with the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award. Janet was also a founding board member of Women's Place, and volunteered with the St. Patrick’s School Breakfast Club, where she provided both nourishment and encouragement to children facing adversity. She was a member of the Park in the City Committee and served as Associate Director with the Niagara Falls Horticultural Society. Janet’s legacy is quite literally rooted in the soil of Niagara Falls, where trees bloom and flowers flourish in spaces she helped transform. After a day of volunteering or family time, she enjoyed relaxing with a good book or having a lively and informed discussion about current political affairs. Her favourite place to spend summers was at Ocean Park, Maine, where she vacationed since childhood, and where she created wonderful memories with her own children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness and care will continue to inspire generations to come.  

A Funeral Service and Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held at Patterson Funeral Home, 6062 Main Street, Niagara Falls, on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Project SHARE, an organization close to Janet’s heart.

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