Jan was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever known.  We met in the public service in the early ‘90s and worked together in the deputy minister’s office.  She was a real professional and a had a wealth of knowledge which she shared generously.  She never forgot my birthday and chocolates arrived in the mail each Christmas even after we both retired.  I miss you Jan! You were so special.  My condolences to family and friends.

Im sorry to learn of Jan’s death. I was her family doctor until my retirement and also that of her father Les. Her love and care for her father was remarkable, and inspirational. Jan exemplified the meaning of family. My condolences on her passing.

My sincerest heartfelt sympathy & condolences to Jan's family.  She was a lovely person & an honor to know her as a friend. May she rest in eternal peace & this be of comfort to her family. Much love, Elaine Hill

We worked together for many years. You trained me and introduced me to OPS.  You were so kind and thoughtful.  You always remembered my kids and my  birthdays and all the other occasions. What our favorite candys chocolates were.  I miss our monthly chats. Dear friend I miss you immensely.

Barb and David
We are so  very sorry for your loss. Jan was a remarkably kind and thoughtful friend. We were lucky to have known her for  so many years.
We were always amazed by the number of people who would say “Hi Jan” as we walked along Concession.  She was a strong supporter of local businesses  and we got lots of tips from her over the years.
Her kindness and generosity will be missed so much. 
Laurie and Michael FitzSimon

Dear Barb and David,

My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear sister, Jan; you are both in my thoughts and prayers. 

I was heartbroken to learn of Jan’s illness and her passing. Jan was a very dear friend and a wonderful human being. What started as a working relationship quickly became a strong friendship that lasted over the past 20 years. Jan and I often talked about the plans we would share in our “senior” years; I will carry her spirit with me whenever I manage to fulfill any of those dreams.

Jan was kind, extremely generous, and always supportive of my daughter (which I very much appreciated). She was loved and I miss her a great deal. 

May God bless you, my friend, as you find peace in eternal rest.

Hello Barb and family:
I am very sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. I have known Janet ( and your parents) from my years of working on Concession St. Although I have now been retired 17 years I was delighted to meet up with Janet again when the Stage Diner opened. We often were there at the same time, Janet was one of a kind. I always enjoyed chatting with her. My sincere condolences to those that loved her.

Dear Barb
I would like to extend to you and David my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear sister Jan.  I was the Gowman family's next-door neighbour  where I lived with my family at #64.  I enjoyed visits with your mom Norma and also with your dad Les.  Les had a great stride as he walked down the Jolley Cut to and from his job.  He shared a lot of stories with me from his front porch.  After I married and moved north, we lost touch., but I was glad to receive this notice from my sister who still lives in the area. So many good memories of a wonderful family. May Jan find eternal rest and be reunited with her parents once more.  
Sincerely
Kathleen (Kay) McGrinder-d'Entremont

So sorry to hear about Janet's passing Barb. I have many fond memories of our childhood years on Alpine Ave.  I know you two were always so close. Sending my love to you and your family. Colleen McGrinder-Saunders. 💕

Gail (First Cousin)
We both grew up in the 50’s. Jan’s mother and my mother were sisters. In the early days we spent a lot of time together in the poorer times, with our extended family, birthdays, Christmas Eve gatherings and time at the Sauble Beach cottage during the summers.
I have pictures from those times. My mother, Jan’s aunt, started a catering business in Hamilton in the 70’s. We were in high school when my mother engaged Jan’s mother, Norma, sister Barb and Jan to work in the business. Jan worked in the kitchen preparing food and whatever else was asked of her. Her sister Barb & I were waitresses serving the guests at all the events. 
Eventually we all started our own careers, including Jan who worked in Toronto for the government. She took a Go bus or train to Toronto every day until retirement. Long days with the traveling time. I didn’t know how she did that commute back and forth.
When she retired she was caring for her father, Les, at home. Eventually her father passed and she took over the family home on Alpine Street. We lost touch for a time other than the odd phone call until we met again on Concession Street when I saw her going down the street from the Stage Diner. I ran out of the restaurant and chased her the down the street. She was probably thinking who is that crazy woman running up behind me. Eventually she realized that crazy woman was me her cousin. Sometimes after that encounter we met at the Stage Diner and we would update each other about the families.
Jan was always a kind, sweet, sociable person whose life was cut so short. She has a great sense of humour and never said anything bad about anybody. I feel a great loss. 
Love you girl until we meet again.
Gail

Jan was a wonderful person she would visit us daily at the Shoppers Drug Mart on concession.  She was always smiling and talking to all the staff.  Our condolences to the family from her friends at Shoppers Drug Mart

Jan was such a kind soul. Grew up in her area and would pass her many times walking on Concession Street. Always a smile and kind word. God bless.

Jan was one of the nicest people I have had the privilege to have met in my life. Her support of small business on Concession street was unsurpassed. Every Christmas she would bring our team cards and gifts which meant so much.  She always had positivity and good will to share.  I will miss her dearly and know that she is now resting in peace. 

Thank you for all the love and support!

Leo

Jan was a wonderful woman who was well loved by her colleagues in the Ontario Public Service. I was fortunate to work with Jan for several years. She was always dedicated and diligent, and showed generous support and concern for all those she worked with. Jan had a great sense of humour and a caring soul for those in need.  I will miss her.

God bless you Jan.

I was so sorry to learn of Janet's illness.  I have known Janet (and all the Gowman's) since early childhood.  Jan never missed sending me a birthday card, Christmas card, nor did I miss sending cards to her.  

Janet, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

OBITUARY

Janet Elizabeth Gowman

April 17, 1954 – January 5, 2025

Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel

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