Obituary of Janet Holt-Johnstone

HOLT-JOHNSTONE, Janet Of Kingsville, passed away on December 17, 2019 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by Doug, her husband of 40 years, whom she considered her soulmate and the love of her life. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Andrea Shaughnessy (Tony Burrell), step children; Brad Johnstone and Andrea Johnstone (John Shelley), brothers-in-law; Ivor Johnstone (Janet) and John Tait and her many wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Janet was born on July 4, 1930 in London, England and was evacuated to Canada During WWII at the age of 9. The first trip was aboard the ill-fated SS Athenia, which was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine. The second attempt met with success and Janet lived with a family in Windsor, Ontario for the duration of the War. Janet remained in Windsor until she relocated to Jamaica with her first husband, Paul Shaughnessy (1951-1961). Janet had an accomplished and varied career in journalism, public relations, marketing and broadcasting. She worked in many countries including Canada, US, UK, Jamaica and the Bahamas. She invested each undertaking with her characteristic curiosity, imagination, creativity and boundless energy. Janet's passion and drive never waned. At the age of 86 she published her first novel, The Devil Knows, had a second novel underway and fulfilled her role as Canadian editor of Furniture World Magazine until prevented by illness at the age of 89. Janet will be remembered fondly for her intelligence, humour, generosity, kindness and her delightful sense of mischief adventure. Cremation has taken place. An open house celebration and buffet lunch will take place to celebrate Janet's life on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 East Ruthven, Ontario from 12 noon - 3 p.m. (Please RSVP to Andrea). If so desired, donations may be made to the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Kingsville) 519-254-2585. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca.