Janet Murray Blanchet

Janet was born in Calgary on May 21, 1930 and died peacefully, surrounded by family, in her North Vancouver home on February 11, 2026. She was the eldest child and only daughter of Marigold and author R.M. Patterson. Janet was predeceased by her husband David, who was the youngest son of M. Wylie Blanchet. Janet is survived by her daughter Julia Blanchet of Denman Island, and her younger brothers Alan (Ann) and Robin (Susan) Patterson. She is also survived by her many relatives in Canada and England.

Janet spent her early years growing up on the Buffalo Head Ranch near High River, Alberta where she learned to ride horses at a young age. She often travelled with her father in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, on horseback. She was homeschooled for several years before attending Strathcona Lodge School on Shawnigan Lake.

Janet pursued her dream of a university degree in Humanities and French at SFU, while working in the Applied Sciences Faculty, as a senior administrator.

Janet was an avid traveller and loved spending time outdoors canoeing and hiking. She also visited Mexico and Europe with her best friend Doreen Dick. She was a patron of the arts, having many creative people in her circle of friends.

The family would like to thank her nephew Michael Blanchet and her caregiver Yesenia Ortiz Moreno for providing her with comfort and care.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Nature Trust of BC.

A celebration of her life will be held in the summer.