Janine Marie Arthur

In her 80th year, Janine Marie Arthur (née Szala) passed away at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto, on June 3, 2024. Beloved wife of Bob, sister of Linda (Tom Goldspink), and daughter of deceased parents Louise and Feliks Szala, Janine lived a full, active life that touched many people.

With her keen mind, generous heart, and constant curiosity, Janine was an adventurer who saw life as Helen Keller did: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Born in St. Catharine’s, Janine’s own education sparked her interest in pursuing a career in the teaching profession. She attended Prince of Wales P.S., then St. Catharines Collegiate from which she graduated as an Ontario Scholar. A year at McMaster was followed by Brock University from which she graduated with a B.A. in history and where she became the first Brock graduate to receive the Governor-General’s medal. Her teaching career, begun in St. Catharines at Denis Morris Catholic H.S., continued in Toronto at St. Joseph’s College School, at Michael Power-St. Joseph, and finally at Francis Libermann Catholic H.S.

When adventure called them to California (1985-1999), Janine and Bob answered. They lived in the ocean-side towns of Redondo Beach and Ventura Keys where Janine indulged visiting family and friends in the California lifestyle. After a year teaching at Santa Monica Catholic H.S., she partnered with Bob to become VP of Arthur Group Real Estate Development, Inc. In another venture, she used her writing talents and creativity in her role as Sales Manager at Palos Verdes Peninsula News. The world of work did not blunt her sporting life that included constant walking, sailing the Southern California coast, bareboat sailing in the British Virgin Islands, skiing, marathon running, and flying with Bob when he obtained his pilot’s license.

Upon returning to Toronto in 1999, Janine rekindled her teaching career at Francis Libermann Catholic H.S. from which she retired in 2021. A dedicated teacher, she was devoted to challenging her students to be their very best. A vibrant member of the community, Janine coached cross country and created a debating team. She loved it so much that she continued to adjudicate student debates even after she retired. As an active member of the History Department, she was a driving force behind History Fair and played a significant role in organizing the Medieval Fair; the strawberry tarts she made for the event were legendary. Janine was an “all in” person who was available before and after school and even on weekends to help with whatever team/club/event needed her. Her tireless energy, unconditional support of her students, and abiding friendships with staff are hallmarks of a woman whose light shone brightly in everything she did.

Janine’s desire to give back and help others continued after retirement. It was deeply satisfying for her to be involved in the St. Basil’s Catholic Parish community. She was a wonderful reader who thoroughly enjoyed her lector role. She loved assisting with weddings by greeting and seating guests and taking photographs. Her generous heart found expression in visiting people in need at their homes and providing food, clothing, and grocery vouchers on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Through her work with Out of the Cold, she provided meals for those in want several times a week and on special days such as Christmas. Her hard work, kindness, and good humor were appreciated by a great number of friends and colleagues. Now, her earthly adventures have ended. Having fought a valiant battle, she is now at rest. She is with the angels.

In appreciation, Janine’s family would like to thank her surgeon, Dr. Tirone David, and all of the medical staff who cared for her at the Munk CVICU: Joan, Angela, Talashia, Shannen, Iris, Dr. Marcus Salvatori, Dr. Kathleen Dattilo, and Dr. Jane Heggie.

Cremation has taken place. The burial will be private. In Toronto, Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, 50 St. Joseph Street, followed by a Celebration of Life in the church hall. In St. Catherines, a Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd, at 11 a.m. at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St.