Janet Kalkman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janet Kalkman, who left us peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the age of 93 at KinVillage Care Home. Janet has been finally granted her fondest wish: to be reunited with the love of her life, her beloved husband Wim (died 2013), of 57 wonderful years.

She will be truly missed by her daughter, Klari (John), and sons, Peter (Bonnie) and Robert (Cathy). Janet was a dear grandma to Jon (Kendra), Paul (Azadeh), Arih (Amber), Matthew (Danielle), Brandes, Steven (Carly), Dakota (Darlin), Jeremy (Jessica), Trey and Kross. “Gigi” was a great-grandmother to Nolan, Simon, Olive, Octavia, Deklyn, Carter, Victoria, William and Ian.

Janet is also predeceased by her parents, Esther (Brandes) Gross and Harry Gross, her brothers, Arthur and Kenneth Gross, and son-in-law, Stephen Struger.

Janet was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, attending university at McGill in Montreal, where she and Wim met and fell in love. She was a devoted wife and mother and loyal friend. As a homemaker, Janet cared for her family and found time to volunteer with the Fort Frances Children’s Aid Society and Vancouver’s Deaf community. She became a Canadian citizen in 1991, renouncing her American citizenship in 1994. Janet and Wim spent their last twenty years together on Vancouver Island, enjoying both nature walks and city life. She loved classical music and lately earned the nickname “Maestro” due to her conducting chops.

Janet's family are immensely appreciative of the kind, compassionate staff at KinVillage, with especial gratitude to nurses, Rowena, Philomina, and Baiju, and Dr. Gemeinhardt. We are extremely grateful for the many years of loving care and attention from the Ladybugz women, in particular: Danielle, Debbie, Lovepreet, Megan, Fiona, Amanjot, Angelita and Tanya.

Funeral arrangements are tentatively planned for late January. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia.

May her memory be a blessing.