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Peacefully and after a life well lived, Janet passed away at CEE Hospital (Acute Care) on, March 6, 2024 just days shy of her 94th birthday. 

Eldest daughter to the late Mary (Sheppard) & William Kennedy, she was the much loved sister of Marilyn (March 1, 2024) and Jack Goodyear, whom she shared a special bond; Doris (late Don) Gordon; Mary (Kent) Kruger; Bruce (2022) (late Kathy); and Keith (2020) 

Predeceased in 1977 by her beloved husband Thomas, much loved mother to daughter LaVonne Walker (Mike Hills), and predeceased by her sons Laurie (1999), Lawny (2014) and son-in-law Leslie Walker (2002). 
Janet, enjoyed years of travel she certainly saw some sights, whether to distant destinations with LaVonne, Alaska and Hawaii being her most talked about, or the many long haul truck runs she enjoyed with Lawny & Laurie. 

Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, the Atkinson Family, and dear friend Kathy Hardy.  
Welcomed into the Walker family many decades ago when LaVonne and Les wed, Janet shared many years, experiences and special memories with this extended family, especially as honorary “Grandma J” to Mandi, Nolan and Cullen who will miss her extensively. 

A farm girl, through and through, she loved nothing more than her years spent growing up on the farm, the many years she and Tom worked on their farm and later on continuing with Lawny. Chickens were her favourite livestock, and there was no arguing otherwise, although many of us tried. Not to be forgotten was the companion of a dog or cat that could always be found by her side.  
Just as valuable in the barn and working the land as she was in the home, her cooking, baking, homemade clothes and needle crafts were second to none. She knitted up until recently until her hands wouldn’t allow any longer, making sure that many have warm blankets, mittens and sweaters to remember her by.  
A proud longtime member of the Bear Creek Women’s Institute, Starlight Rebekah Lodge Wyoming, and often a part of the famed Wyoming Fair Board pie ladies, she was proud to be recognized in 2020 by Mayor Lonny Napper in being presented a community appreciation award. A member of the Wyoming United Church, the faith and fellowship she shared here was always fondly spoke of. Professionally, Janet found great pride in her 25 + years working with the dietary department at CEE Hospital Petrolia. 

Janet was able to live mostly independent for 94 years, with the last several months spent at Albany Retirement Village, thank you to the incredible staff here that made this possible. 
Special thank you to Dr. Samantha Cooper, CEE Nurses Katie, Kristin & Phil, and the caring staff of CEE hospital. 

10:00 am graveside service will take place at Beechwood Cemetery where she will be reunited with Tom, Laurie, Lawny & Les , on Friday, March 8, 2024 with Rev. Steve Longmoore officiating  

An expression of sympathy can be made through donations to Wyoming United Church https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/wyoming-united-church/?version=2 or by cheque 730 SECOND ST BOX 487 | WYOMING, ON, N0N 1T0 or to the Sarnia Humane Society https://sarniahumanesociety.com/ways-to-give/

To send flowers to the family of Janet Merle Atkinson(Kennedy)(Sheppard) please visit our Sympathy Store.