Obituary of Janet Eileen Boardway

Janet Eileen (Murray) Boardway

5 April 1958 – 12 April 2024 Age 66 years

“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Janet passed away peacefully in her sleep after a positive, determined and hopeful battle with cancer.   A gentle soul with a great big heart, Janet was special in the sense that she had time and cared for, everyone she ever met.

Janet was a loving, kind, caring wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, neighbour and teacher.  She and Bob have been kindred spirits and a great team since the spring of 1975 having first met at the local DQ while in high school.

Janet was born in New Glasgow and grew up on the West Side, later moving to Stellarton, where she and Bob built a home in the summer of 1982. They were one of four original families building homes on Cedar Drive, at that time the closest street through the woods to Westville.

Janet received her education in the town of New Glasgow graduating in 1976 from NGHS.  She then attended Nova Scotia Teacher’s College in Truro fulfilling a lifelong goal of becoming an early childhood educator.  She later received her Bachelor of Education from NSTC via Acadia in 1992 and then her Master’s in Education in 2007 from St.FX University.

Janet was a much loved and respected teacher who’s career spanned for 33.5 years in Pictou County, mostly Grade Primary where she excelled as the “school mom” to many children as they embarked on their educational journey.   Her classroom was the ‘tickle trunk’ for any and all staff! She began her career at Brown School, then moved to Temperance Street, followed by Thorburn Consolidated and West Side School and finally AG Baillie Memorial School retiring in June of 2015.

Janet loved to bake and cook, it was her therapy and the kitchen was her sanctuary, and she loved to share her creations and recipes.  Janet also enjoyed gardening, sewing and quilting. She loved nature and the outdoors. Hiking and snowshoeing were some of her favourite ways to spend time.

She enjoyed travelling locally and abroad to visit family and friends, camping, reading, attending and hosting family gatherings.  She was a terrific driver and Bob was the navigator. They enjoyed exploring the countryside and travelling to Michigan and across Canada on camping excursions to spend time with their children and grandchildren. She was an avid participant in her kids activities being a dedicated hockey, soccer, figure skating, baseball and golf mom.  Many a hospitality room for tournaments were delighted with her contributions of pasta soup, biscuits, muffins, squares and many other treats. Including a separate cooler bag for the team’s of her children.

During school special events or just regular days when the famous “red basket” would accompany Janet out of the car and into the building would send staff palates into a state of excitement!

Janet is survived by her husband of 43 years Bob and his guide dog Baz, her daughter Nicole and son-in-law Sam Evanson and grand daughters Mallory and Alice of Lower Sackville, her son Greg, of Edmonton Alberta, and friend Lauren Ierullo, daughter-in-law Nikki (Stromberg) Boardway and grand daughters Brooklyn and Nova all of Muskegon, Michigan, USA.

Her parents, Ivan & Betty Murray of New Glasgow, in-laws Joe & Jean Boardway of Stellarton.

Brother Philip Murray & Karen (Stewart) of Greenwood, Pictou County.  Sister Karen (Murray) & John Green of Pictou and family Chelsea, Ares, Brianna (Kevin MacIsaac) Leland, Waverly, and Colten

Sister Ruth Ann Murray & Kenny Chisholm of Stellarton and family Owen McCormick-Chisholm, and Emmett Chisholm.  Sister-in-law Debbie (Boardway) & Allan MacQueen of Stellarton and family Danielle (Courtney Roddick), Natalie (Brad Teal).

Several cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbours.

Janet was predeceased by her son Trevor Boardway and nephew Bauer MacIsaac. Maternal grandparents Sandy & Peggy MacDonald and paternal grandparents Jessie & Harry Murray, and also by several aunts and uncles and cousins.

Cremation has taken place preceded by organ and tissue donation.  Public visitation will be held at P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow,  2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Monday the 15^th of April.  A red basket will be available for anyone wishing to donate a children’s book for the future “Mrs. Boardway Reading Corner” at the AG Baillie Memorial School. 

A private family celebration of life service will occur with Rev. Dr.  Glen Matheson officiating. 

Many thanks to Dr. Rivera, Dr. Kwasnik, Dr. Craig, Dr. Smith & Dr. O’Sullivan and their support staffs, as well as the Nursing teams of 4^th and 1^st floors, Oncology, Palliative Care Units & VON Home Care.

It would be wonderful if you would take the time to read to your children, bake a treat for your family, attend a youth sporting event or walk in nature with friends and relatives to honour Janet’s life.

Janet was an avid participant and promoter of the EXCEL program (Exercise for those living with cancer) held at the local YMCA. She forged many friendships, found inspiration and encouraged her fellow warriors.

Please, no flowers by request of the family.  Donations in Janet’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care or Aberdeen Hospital Oncology Units or to the education fund of Janet’s grand daughters by e-transferring bobboardway@gmail.com

Thank you, sincerely

Janet’s family