Janet Ruth Martin

Janet was born in Ontario on August 20, 1945 to Roy and Dorothy (Byer) Smith. Growing up in northern Ontario, she held fond memories of exploring the woods near their home and picking blueberries. Janet had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed being in nature. She loved plants, birds, and animals. Hiking and camping were a big part of her life. Throughout her life she travelled around Canada and the USA, to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Mexico, Grenada, Costa Rica, Bali, Spain, and Switzerland. Janet lived in Ontario and Alberta, travelling back and forth and eventually settling in Alberta in the mid-1990s. Family was always important to her, and she passed that value down to her children and grandchildren.

Janet had many careers throughout her life. While studying to become a teacher she worked at Provident Bookstore. She eventually completed a degree in Geology and worked as a geologist at a time when female geologists were rare. Janet became a mother at 36, and while her children were young she had many jobs including working for the government, local farmers, summer camps, and driving a school bus. She ran her own business as an editor, which transitioned into a several year career in adult literacy where she supported many people including immigrants and inmates. She taught as a substitute teacher for several years, which led her to a full-time position teaching French at an elementary school. A part-time job teaching in-class driver’s education led to a 7-year career as a full driving instructor. During that career she studied Shiatsu, which she practiced and eventually taught for over 20 years. She also worked at developing and communicating emergency response plans for sour gas wells for over a decade. Throughout her life, Janet volunteered her time in many ways, including as a Girl Guide leader and at a women’s shelter.

Throughout her life Janet surrounded herself with many people, including four important partners – Donald Martin (married 1966, divorced), Doug Slack, Adrian Mills (married 1986, divorced), and Dennis Cressman (who she met at camp when they were teenagers and reconnected with in her 50s, deceased 2018). Janet always maintained a healthy contact with her partners, recognizing that when we care deeply about a person they are always a valuable part of our lives, even if the relationship changes over time.

As a mother of two daughters, Janet strived to be a good parent, imparting strong values and inspiring a love of adventure and a passion for life. Janet approached life with curiosity and was a life-long learner, reading informative books alongside novels right until her final year. She was passionate about helping others, and her passion and care for people brought many friends into her life. Some were close and some were more acquaintances, but I think all would say that they appreciated Janet’s care and charisma. A common phrase heard by her daughter was, “Your mom is so sweet.”

She enjoyed nature, music, dancing, traveling, skiing and snowshoeing, and spending time with people. Janet touched the lives of many, often inspiring and helping those around her. She always showed care to people and strived to see the best and the potential of others.

Janet will be sadly missed by her daughter Suzi Martin; grandchildren Atalin and Wrias; sisters Miriam and Linda, and her many relatives and friends.

Janet is predeceased by her parents, her brother Richard Smith, and her daughter Stephanie Mills.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., program at 2:45 p.m., music celebration from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the War Amps of Canada, a local SPCA or similar animal shelter of your choice, or Stars Ambulance (or equivalent). These causes were always important to Janet and she routinely donated to them.