Mary Janet Purcell

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of our Mom, Janet (McGuire) Purcell, who died in Toronto on December 10, 2025, frail of body but strong of spirit. She was born near Downeyville, Ontario on September 28, 1931 to Paul and Margaret McGuire and grew up in a busy farmhouse full of love. She excelled in school and became a teacher. She met an Irishman, Jack Purcell, in northern BC. They married and raised a family of five in Toronto before moving back to a farm near Omemee and then to Peterborough. They were married almost 60 years before Dad died in 2021. Janet was a daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, grandmother, teacher, volunteer, golfer, bridge player and avid traveller. She joins those who have gone before her: husband, Jack; parents, Paul and Margaret; siblings, Dale, Margaret, Jim, Anne and Bunny, and many close relatives. She was an amazing positive force for us all and will be missed every day by her children, Margaret, JoAnn, Paul (Johanne), John (Kelly) and Mary Jane (Carlos); her grandchildren, Kristen (Matt), Emma, Rachel, Finn, Madeleine, Luc, Simone, Sean (Lovina), Jamie, Jack and Alex; and great-grandchildren, Ronan and Roisin; her siblings, Ruth and Joe and many relatives in Canada, Ireland and beyond.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 17th at St. Luke's Church Downeyville, with visitation at 11 a.m., Mass at 12 p.m. and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ALS Canada (www.als.ca).

Be not afraid, I go before you always.