Janet Horner

Janet Evelyn May Horner

On January 5, 1935, Janet Evelyn May Horner was born in London, Ontario as the third born and youngest child of Mabel (Wilson) and Stanley Horner who had previously imigrated from England as children with their families, settling in Hespeler, Ontario. Janet’s parents had relocated from Hespeler first to Windsor where her father, Stan, worked for Kelvinator Detroit. It was in Windsor that both her older brother Richard, and older sister Ruth were born. Just before Janet’s birth the family had relocated to London, Ontario where Stan began working at the Canadian London Kelvinator Plant, in charge of shipping and receiving. While living on King Street, in London, Stan was able to walk to work. It was also at this time that the family began attending Central Baptist Church, London. Janet shared many good memories of times spent with the church family of Central Baptist. She was baptized by Pastor Logsdon. Janet’s mother, Mabel, went on to play the organ at the church for 35 years.

Janet attended Lady Beck Elementary School until grade 3, and then continued at Ryerson Elementary School when the family moved to their home on Christie St. in North London. After completing High School at Central Collegiate, London, Janet attended Normal School (Teachers’ College) for one year in 1955.

Janet began teaching Elementary School in Windsor in 1956. She taught 7 years in Windsor, while taking her B.A. by extension from Western University. When Janet left teaching, she went to Wheaton College, Illinois, to complete a 2 year Masters of Church History program. While attending Wheaton College, she was a house mother to a small dorm and also secretary to the chaplain.

Upon her return to Canada Janet’s growing interest in social work led her to work for the Children’s Aid, Oxford County for 2 years. While working there she visited schools on behalf of the children. It was at this time that she remembered people asking her if she might be interested in guidance counselling. Janet returned to teaching. In 1966 she was hired to teach High School English, History, and Guidance at Dunbarton High School in Pickering Ontario. She eventually became full time Guidance and went on to finish her career in Guidance at Pickering High School from 1986 – 1991. Janet retired in 1991.

In the years that followed, Janet was active in her Church, Wishing Well Acres Baptist (now Grace Point). She was involved in creating an ESL program and taught ESL for many years, as part of a program that continues in growing numbers today. Janet served on committees for women’s programs and gave many years to developing and maintaining the church library.

Janet loved to travel and she leaves behind countless photo albums of trips taken with friends and family to prove it! Courtesy of Aunt Janet, her many nieces and nephews had opportunities to see many parts of the globe and experience travel along with trips to concerts and plays that would often be the catalyst to bring the family together. Aunt Janet faithfully remembered birthdays, anniversaries and special events of all her family even as numbers of great nieces and nephews grew far beyond easy tracking!

Janet was a reader. She spent many hours in bookstores, picking up books of interest on politics, history and travel. She would often be the one to pass on to others information or books of interest that she thought would be helpful to them.

Janet quietly lived out her faith. Her sense of humor and humble selfless ways were a bright spot to many. She lived life enjoying the simple pleasures of spending time with family and friends, and serving others. Even in the more difficult days of failing health Janet graciously accepted her circumstances taking comfort in thoughts of heaven and the promise of eternal life through her faith in Jesus Christ. “When the nights sometimes seemed so long, this brought much encouragement. “

We, Janet’s family, will miss her dearly, but look forward to our great reunion with her in heaven. We are so thankful to God for the many years He allowed us to share our lives with her. It is our delight to celebrate her life!

HORNER, Janet Evelyn May…
Peacefully in her sleep at her residence on Sunday, December 10, 2017, Janet Horner went home to be with her Lord and Savior in her 83rd year. Cherished sister of the late Richard Horner (Marjorie) of Nova Scotia and Ruth Rowe (the late Gerry). Dear aunt of the late David Horner, Philip Horner (Eileen), Deborah Horner-Richardson (Kevin), Esther Roorda (Doug), Scott Rowe (Mary Ann), Anne Wong (K-H), Mary Goral (Michael), Jane Greenwell (Garry) and Paul Rowe (Karissa). Predeceased by her parents Stanley and Mabel Horner. Janet will also be dearly missed by her great nieces, nephews and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 9-11 am on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A memorial service will be held at Grace Point Baptist Church, 3143 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 1:30pm. Donations in Janet’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com