There are too many memories of Janice, whom I met decades ago at Carleton University where I was her teaching assistant in the journalism program. We both moved around a lot to different cities, but it is the mark of a deep and solid friendship that we always kept in touch over the years. To say I was shocked to hear she had died is an understatement. I will cherish her friendship, deep commitment to journalistic integrity - imparted to the next generation of journalists through her teaching, love of current events, passion for a healthy community and so much more. My deep sympathies to Marc, Adam and Matthew. Janice left you far too soon.

I’ll never forget Janice. Beautiful, dedicated, impassioned, quick-witted—the adjectives are endless. She has left us too early.

Oh Jan (you told me once that I was the only person apart from your mother who called you Jan instead of Janice). Who am I going to talk with about books now?  Who is going to give me straight, unvarnished advice when I need it? 

From that idyllic long ago summer of 1982, riding my bike after rowing practice to sit outside the fence and chat with you in the lifeguard chair in front of the (always empty) Howard Johnson’s pool all the way to 2025, thanks to your preternatural ability to stay in touch with people, you’ve been a part of my life. Letters and phone calls and the occasional visit in the early days and then on to texts.  You were the Queen of Texts.  No emojis or “how r u?” for you.  Full, thoughtful, clever sentences were your stock in trade. I will miss those so very much and the whip-smart, funny (your sense of humour was underrated), kind, good (you were such a good person), insightful woman behind them.  

My sincerest condolences to your family.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Janice’s family at this difficult time. I worked alongside Janice at McGill University in the 1990s, when Janice was Editor in Chief and I was an editorial assistant at The McGill News, the university’s alumni magazine. Janice hired me, in fact. We stayed in touch through the years. About two years ago, Janice reached out to schedule a Zoom call. We had a great conversation. Janice was engaged, sincere, authentic, and passionate about the issues she cared about. My thoughts are with her family and her two sons, whom she loved more than anything.

I am still in schock, even though I learned about Janice's death several days ago. I got to know Janice though the Mount Royal Faculty Association, and especially her contributions to our Communications Committee. She was a wonderful person and the world is now a poorer place.

My deep and sincere condolences to all of the Paskey family.  Janice was a dedicated volunteer supporting community and building a better future for Calgarians.  She was a warrior and will be missed...

We’ll always remember Janice as an ardent Westwood Warrior hockey mom. Her intellect, passion and wit in voicing her opinions on her favourite causes was entertaining and inspiring. She made her community a better place. Thanks for allowing us to attend the virtual service. 
Glen & Kim Scott

Janice always advocated for strong community.  West Hillhurst is a better place due to her efforts.  I will particularly miss our bike rides and lively conversations.

I always treasured the many occasions the neighbourhood women of West Hillhurst came together to chat, laugh, cry, eat, sip wine and more . . . Janice was such an integral part of the group always bringing along her knowledge, wisdom and wit. She was such a remarkable woman in every way. My condolences to you Marc, Matthew and Adam.

Notes

Janice was my mentor and friend and found so many ways to support me in the years we knew each other. 

I can’t count the number of times I’ve told people about how she inspired me when I was her student and more than 15 years later. I so loved how she set high standards and had lofty expectations, but always provided the support, encouragement and resources for us to reach them.

Janice taught me to be a better journalist, both in the classroom and on the page, but also just through our conversations, where she was insatiably and empathetically curious. She always asked about me, my projects, my family, my career goals. She always had an update of her own to share, whether it was about her family, her neighbourhood, or, very often, another past student.

Janice had an exceptional knack for celebrating my wins with me while also subtly encouraging me to keep an eye on what the next achievement might be. I can’t recall any time she ever told me I “should” do something—except a few years back when she said I should be getting paid more!

I deeply valued her way of mentorship and friendship. She was active in my early career, directly connecting me with research work and an amazing editing job for my fledgling business. She invited me to speak to her classes and always made me feel like I was bringing value.

During some long pandemic-era walks, we chatted about career and early days of motherhood. Janice was generous with her time and her energy and I’m so grateful for all that she gave me.

Sending love and condolences to Marc, Adam, and Matthew and all of Janice's family and many friends. Thank you for sharing Janice with us all.

Janice was a wonderful colleague.  My profound condolences to her family.

In the early '00s, I attended MRC, and had the opportunity to get to know Janice. Not well, mind you, but she was consistent throughout my education.  She always had a way about her when she would join in one of Murray's or Shauna's classes that would command a room. It was the little things she said that stuck with me the most. "Choose your hill to die on," she once told one of our classes before we went out on our practicums. Simple pearls shared during the stressful days of a being student were comforting. Her humanity was incredibly well received all the way up to my graduation. 

It was actually several years later that our paths crossed once again. In some random Buffalo Bills Facebook group, of all places. I read a clever comment authored by a name I recognized.  I sent her a message and she confirmed that it was her.
Our mutual love of the Bills stacked well with our history, and we would often exchange thoughts throughout the season.
I loved texting her during the games. That was a fun experience that I can't properly put into words. Our opinions of various players would change often in a very short period of time. Ha ha ha. Oh, poor Tyler Bass was both a hero and a villain, depending on the game.

I am incredibly saddened by Janice's loss. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to her family during this time of loss. 
Please know that she made a powerful impact in my life from my limited interactions with her over the decades. She was quite the woman and will be missed. 

Let's go Buffalo!

Janice was such a dedicated journalist and teacher, with a tireless commitment to the craft of research and storytelling, to the nurturing of her students and their talents, and to improving and shepherding the stories that mattered to them.  As a neighbour, as well as a colleague, I always appreciated the significant time and energy she dedicated to keeping a watchful eye over our community of West Hillhurst; no one knew more about what was going on in terms of proposed changes and developments, and Janice made sure City Hall was held accountable.  I will miss her intelligence and sense of humour, and in particular the lunches we shared as a fun way to debrief and decompress at the end of each teaching semester at MRU.  She was a gutsy fighter and a friend.  My sincerest condolences to Marc, Matthew, and Adam, and to Janice's extended family.

Janice greeted everyone without prejudice nor judgement. Her journalism persona welcomed everyone to share their ‘story’.  

We today are graced by Janice’s example that she effortlessly had the ability to lift people up by challenging them to take the next step.

Janice’s brilliance to warmly seek out the truth, unwavering sharp wit and keen curiosity is what won me over when I first met her through my husband Geoff at McGill as young professionals. Her care for your family, and care for the umpteen students she motivated and mentored, will remain. 

Our banter thru facebook messenger in recent years on Canadian politics will be missed. 

Please know Geoff and I send strength at this difficult time to you and your boys

I had the pleasure of working with Janice on a community project to name a bridge in her community. It wasn’t a small task, but her positive attitude, hard work and passion is the only reason we got it done. I am honoured to call her my friend and mentor.

Dear Marc, Adam and Matthew, 
We are so sorry for your loss. 
I had the good fortune of meeting Janice at McGill when I was a student and then of reconnecting with her when she and Marc moved to Calgary.  
We admired Janice’s dedication to everything that touched her heart - family, community, friends, writing, teaching.  She was a fierce advocate and a loyal, compassionate friend.   
We grieve with you and hold you in our hearts. 
Kate Morisset & John Reynolds

Our deepest sympathies for your loss. 
So many memories of Janice over the past 20 years. We will miss her smile, heart and courage. I know the last few years were tough for her but she never gave up. Her strength was inspiring to all who knew her.  She will be remembered as a true friend, we are better for having known her. 
Kim, Jim, Matt and Evan Black

Marc, Matthew, Adam, and Family 

This hurts me too. 
Janice was a dear friend, a trusted confidante and my rock-solid editor.
Wise beyond words and with standards beyond reproach, she was always willing to help. The best version of my writing only became 'final' after enduring her fresh eyes and thoughtful input.
Both of us being from the Niagara Peninsula, we shared much in common: fairness, the written word, wine, and a love for the Buffalo Bills.
My life is better because of our friendship.
Nik Rasula

Janice was a mentor, a friend, and a genuinely inspiring colleague. A gifted storyteller, passionate activist, and student-centred educator, she had a special way of bringing people together in everything she did.
She loved being a mother to Matthew and Adam and took joy in supporting me in my parenting journey of two boys.
The world has lost a truly wonderful person with her passing.

Dear Paskey-Coyte Family,

I send you prayers for healing, peace and comfort. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Janice brought so much light in dark places. What a privilege she afforded us.

Janice was a mentor turned friend for over 12 years now. She impacted me deeply in many ways beyond our shared experience of motherhood, shaking up systems & academia. I know so many of us, her students attest to her wisdom, fierce advocacy, low tolerance for systemic oppression and gentle way of helping us find courage to chase our dreams. 

Janice advocated on my behalf numerous times. I arrived at many career turning points with her support in hand. I loved how she pushed me far out of my comfort zone, challenged my assumptions, opened my eyes to new perspectives and taught me how to write from my heart.  

When my son was born in 3rd year undergrad, she gave me a furry onesie that look like a brown teddy bear that belonged to Adam and a personal cheque to start an RESP account. It was a surreal moment to meet Adam and introduce my son Adrian a few summers ago back in Ottawa.

We last chatted last Mother’s Day and she shared her gratitude for Adam and Matthew and for watching them grow & succeed. She was sad to have an empty nest as she mentioned Adam’s new career move. We both laughed about motherhood being a great gift & a tough challenge at times.

Every lesson & piece of her wisdom lives on, that I’m certain. I am so grateful to Janice. I’ll miss her dearly until we meet again  👼🏼 

Kindly, Amira Caro

I got to know Janice when we both worked as magazine editors in Montreal. She became a dear friend. We played tennis together at Jeanne-Mance Park but her feats of athleticism, including masters swimming, left me in the dust. She was also lots of fun!

Janice was passionate about journalism and was an ambitious and creative editor, eager to try new ideas. She was curious, and loved to debate how things could have been done better; I remember many conversations like that. She clearly brought that spirit of curiosity to the classroom when she turned to teaching journalism at MRU.

I admired what I saw of the way she faced health problems in recent years -- with courage, honesty and lots of questions.

I feel lucky to have known Janice and will miss her very much. To Marc, Matthew and Adam, I wish you comfort and peace in these difficult days.

Dear Marc, Adam, and Matthew,

Janice was a bright, energetic, and formidable member of our Martlet House team at McGill in the 1990's.  She cared deeply about the truth.  Loads of integrity. She was unapologetically unwilling to spin a story, no matter who asked.  A rower and a swimmer, she was quietly competitive, which was very appealing.  She was a broadminded Canadian through and through -- that broadmindedness forged through her time in Chile and her long and deep connectedness to Quebec.

You are very lucky to have had her as a wife and mother.  We, her friends, stand by your side to say our tearful goodbyes.  And, as the Quakers say, we are holding you in the light. 

Yours very truly,

Michael Kiefer

My deepest condolences on the loss of a beautiful soul. Janice was the best at staying in touch and I loved her annual Christmas updates on all the Paskey-Coyte events of the year.  She had such a wide circle of friends and I was blessed to be one of them. (from the days of big hair to sweating on the rowing course) Whenever she came back home to St.Catharines we would get together for a walk or even a row.  She will be missed terribly.
With Love
Mary Margaret Murphy

Cher cousin ,  je suis bien attristé d'entendre cette nouvelle. Je sais que tu seras entouré des gens que tu aimes et qui t'aiment beaucoup pour t'aider à passer cette épreuve. I give you a big big hug !

Cher cousin,
C'est avec une profonde tristesse que j'apprends le décès de ta compagne Janice dont j'ai fait la connaissance au cours d'une rencontre à la résidence de ta mère. Je garde de Janice le souvenir d'une femme douce et sympathique. 
En ce moment fort douloureux pour toi, tes fils, tante Denise et vos familles, j'offre mes plus sincères sympathies,
Que ces pensées vous apportent réconfort et sérénité.
Sincèrement.
Francyne

The first time we met Janice was just a few days after our arrival in Calgary back in 2001. She was so welcoming, helpful, and generous that she became a tremendous support in helping our family settle into the city.
Over time, our two families bonded closely, sharing hundreds of hikes, biking trips, ski days, ice skating outings, golf games, and countless other activities—moments we enjoyed together and will treasure in our memories forever.
Janice was a true journalist. She showed a genuine interest in the world around her and in our personal lives, always driven by strong curiosity and deep empathy. We will always remember our long conversations sparked by articles from the Calgary Herald or The Economist.
Janice will forever remain in our hearts.

Ack! I am so sad about this incredible woman being gone so soon! 
Janice and I only met once when I invited her for a coffee after she helped get us the crossing lights on 19th street and 2nd Ave. She worked so hard on that and it means so much to all of the parents whose kids pass by there on their way to the QE schools. 
Going through our messaging back and forth, I can see that we have been in touch since 2021 about air purifiers for the schools during COVID, nursing home places for seniors, women’s health doctors, our kids, smoked meats and cupcakes and measles vaccinations. 
Janice gave her time and energy to so many important causes and people. 
She will truly be missed!! 
I am sending everyone in her family my warmest thoughts and deepest condolences❤️❤️❤️❤️

Dear Marc, Matthew and Adam  I’m struggling to express my feelings and condolences at the loss of your Janice who was also a dear friend  since our days at University in the 80s. I met her first through McGill Chaplaincy and it was clear from the get-go that this was a person of substance and integrity - a meaning seeker who fully engaged with those less fortunate than herself and with important social and charitable causes.  No surprise at all that she fought so hard and no doubt she bore the admirable scars of a life fully lived and an illness relentlessly battled.  My wife and I count ourselves fortunate to have met her and shared some of her life’s journey.  Our prayers for you and the entire family, Chris and Christina Fitzgerald

Janice was an integral member of our McGill University Development Office team as editor of the McGill News. When we both left the institution I would call her periodically when I had grammar questions for documents I had to write - she was the best!

Janice was also the catalyst behind regular McGill reunions I would host. Pictured here are some of those people in 2022. A month ago Janice and I talked about our plans for a 2026 reunion.in Montreal. We will go ahead and I know she will be cheering us on.

Dear Marc and family,
Janice and I met at Sunshine Village in 1981. Together with our roommate Margaret we had so much fun! Janice and I recently reconnected and I am so thankful that she came back into my life.  
She was such an inspiration - going through so much but still maintaining her grace and sense of humour. She always talked with such pride about her boys, and Marc, your kind nature and strength were truly a blessing for her. 
I will miss her wonderful use of words. Even a short message seemed to be crafted. 
My deepest sympathies.

I am beyond saddened to hear about Janice. I had the good fortune of being mentored by her last fall when she completed my teaching review at MRU. She made the experience so validating, and in a way I didn’t know I needed. She was decisive, thoughtful, kind and gentle, all with an admirable confidence that comes from an earned depth of knowledge. I feel lucky to have gotten to know her just a little bit. My condolences to all who knew and loved Janice. Wishing you peace.

So so sad to hear of Janice's passing. I knew her as a colleague at MRU; she was one of my favourite people to be on a committee with in my early years there, because she was so friendly, genuine, smart, and generous. I will think of her often. Sincere condolences to her family!

Dear Marc, Adam, and Mathew,
Janice and I were friends for over 35 years, from the time she became editor of the McGill News. Sharing a similar birth date (although in very different decades!), we often celebrated together when we both lived in Montreal. Later, we each moved to other parts of Canada but kept in touch by exchanging news re our careers and views about the country's social and political issues, as well as updates on our families.  So, I was very sad to hear that, after her  determined effort to  regain her health with surgery, she had died.  Janice was a mentor to many young people at MRU but I will always remember her as an intelligent writer who was a  good friend. 
With my sincere condolences,  Joan Cleather

Dear Marc and family,

I knew Janice from her time in Montreal, as editor of McGill News. We stayed in touch on and off. During the last year were in contact a few times by text and phone and I knew she had gone through a huge ordeal, but was getting stronger. So, I was shocked and distressed to learn of her passing. She was an amazing person – an impressive athlete, a gifted writer and teacher, devoted mom and so much more. This is an enormous loss for you and all the other lives she profoundly touched. Yves and I send our condolences at this most difficult time.

Dear Marc, Adam, and Matthew, 
 I just heard the sad news. My heart goes out to you. Janice was an extraordinary woman. She was strong, capable, graceful, and humble. A real light in a world that needs more light. Janice showed incredible strength throughout her recent medical challenges which were over and above what any of us could manage. And she was quick to remind everyone she couldn't have done it without you, Marc. Her passing leaves a large empty space. My hope in the coming days is that you can find peace in the memories and strength in God's love.

When your heart is filled with sadness and disbelief- it is hard to write down words that convey your feelings about a friend, now gone. Janice, I will remember your humour. You knew how to deliver a funny comment in that right moment that had me laughing out loud, your passion about what was right and just was something. I admired your tenacity.
 The Grand Trunk Ladies gatherings  will not be the same without you but we will continue and will keep you close in our hearts.

Life’s last gift - memories.

Dear Marc and family, 
Our deepest sympathies on hearing this sad news. Thinking of you at this difficult time. 
Leigh and Mike MacDonald

Janice touched our lives in so many ways. Parenting, community advocacy, academia, and rarer than we'd hoped for but memorable social get togethers. Walks with Connie where Janice provided advice, encouragement, support and laughs.  Emails with Ryder where community issues were strategized and commiserated. Our hearts are heavy as we remember and as we think of Marc, Matthew and Adam.  Our sincerest condolences. We will miss you Janice, Connie and Ryder.

Desde Puerto Montt, Chile, queremos entregar nuestras condolencias por la prematura partida de nuestra amiga Janice. Desde que cursó su magister en la Universidad de Chile, mantuvimos regular comunicación y cariño, con encomiendas mutuas y largos correos poniéndonos al dia por mas de 30 años
Siempre la quise mucho y la vamos a extrañar mucho, especialmente su sonrisa

Janice was one of our dearest friends. We loved her as a sister. Our sympathies go to Marc , Adam and Mathew. She was an inspiration for her work ethic, values and compassion.  
Chris Fitzgerald and Christine Eggarhos, Ottawa,ON

Dear Paskey Family, 
My deepest condolences for your loss. I met Janice in Santiago de Chile as we coincided in an MA program at the University of Chile in the early 1990s. I have fond memories of her kindness, grace, and wit. May her soul rest in peace!
Andreas Feldmann

To all who had the incredible fortune of knowing Janice.

Janice was a remarkable lady who touched the lives of so many. Her unwavering dedication as a teacher meant so much to do many. She inspired with a kind heart and wicked sense of humour. Always there to provide meaningful feedback helping budding journalists grow.

I met Janice as one of her students around 2010, and while I've long since graduated, I've thought of her fondly and reached out on occasion. Most recently we met for coffee where she shared outstanding advice on my career and next steps. We kept in touch via text where she continued to inspire and offer safely guidance.

Janice, you will be missed. Sending love and hugs to the Coyte family and all that knew her.

Dear Coyte family . I am so sorry and sickeningly sad for the loss of Janice.  She was also my great friend of 48 years separated by distance.  She was in my wedding party as a bridesmaid and we talked often via text.   I will miss her terribly as I'm sure you will.  
Kim Welgan

Marc, Mathew and Adam,
I am so incredibly sorry to hear this news. Janice was one of the smartest and funniest people I have had the pleasure to call a friend. I am so grateful for the many memories I have of the great times we spent together. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. 

Susan Schutta

I remember meeting Janice for the first time in Vancouver likely around 1999. I remember thinking what an incredibly articulate, intelligent and beautiful woman. I will always remember Janice and Marc's  incredible generosity and support over the almost 30 years of friendship. My most recent memories of Janice was a walk we did together in Griffith Woods this Spring  and more recently  a visit at their home on July 27th. Janice was very  optimistic about the future as we made plans to  meet up in Canmore in the Fall. I will miss Janice very much and my heart goes out to Marc, Mathew and Adam on this profound loss. 

With love
Ranjana and Naiya

To all of Janice’s family, and to Janice.., I’m so very saddened and shocked to hear your news…I’m so sad because she’s so young, and so much more.
Janice contributed so very much to our community, kept us informed, updated us on the latest, and was very supportive of so many.
Breaks my heart to hear this.
This community will not be the same without Janice. 💔🙏🏻😢

I want to express my gratitude to Janice for her friendship, leadership, and collaboration in shaping the future of the West Hillhurst community and its residents. Janice's insights were always genuine and selfless...the epitome of community and public service. To her family and friends, I'm sorry for your loss. 

May all your memories of Janice last lovingly forever.

Marc, Adam and Matthew, I’m shocked and saddened to learn of Janice’s passing. Even though we last worked together nearly three decades ago, she made sure to keep in touch through the years and to get together occasionally when she passed through Montreal.  I always greatly enjoyed seeing her. Janice recommended me for the editor’s position at Concordia, which changed my career path and life. Her memory will always remain special to me. She was so proud of her boys. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Janice helped me find my voice when it came to speaking up to influence the design of my community. She was an amazing role model who gave so much of her self to push for a safer more accessible neighborhood. Having our paths cross influenced who I am and who I want to continue to grow to be. I am very thankful I had Janice on my team.

Janice has been a long time friend since our high school days at Lakeport SS in St. Catharines.  We kept in touch often and shared our family stories, both trials and tribulations.  I will miss our chats and her kind and thoughtful nature.  I am so terribly saddened to hear of her passing. 
Janice was deeply committed to her family, students and friends.  She spoke so fondly of Marc and his support, especially over the last year.    She was proud of both Matthew and Adam and was looking forward to a future wedding.
Janice was a strong advocate for many causes.  She would not have left this world without putting up a valiant fight.  
I will be at the service on Saturday to celebrate a very special life cut much too short.  
Love to all in this difficult time.

Janice had been a treasured friend over the past two decades. Her candour, curiosity, gift with words and profound integrity were among her many attributes. I’ll miss her terribly, as will her students at MRU and off course, her family. 💔

Janice was a dear neighbour,  special friend and community advocate. She will always be sadly missed.

Jeannette and Tim Pyrch

Janice was one professor that I absolutely adored. She pushed me to be a better writer, pushed me to find the stronger stories and supported me in the times I needed her most. She never judged. She was open minded and so incredibly supportive.  I had the absolute privilege in shifting from her student to becoming her colleague. We kept in touch every month or so, and she would always offer  guidance, but now as a peer.

 She positively impacted my life as a student and a colleague and I will never forget her support and encouragement. She was one person who made a real difference in this world.

I am saddened to hear of your mom's passing. I knew your mom as a little girl. We went to the same elementary and junior high school. In grade school she was known for being able to do the splits in no time flat.She was standing and then down she went. I always admired that. We then saw each other from time to time in Calgary at hockey arenas and then at MRU.  Not surprised, she was an advocate . She was always a kind and determined girl. Sending you all hugs.
Wendy Harinck

OBITUARIO

Janice Anne Paskey

8 noviembre, 1962 – 9 agosto, 2025

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

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