Janet Irene Perry

It is with a profound sense of love and loss that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom, Janet Irene Perry, in her 96th year. She died after a brief illness at the QE II Halifax Infirmary, on April 29, 2019, with her family by her side.

Born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, on May 31, 1923, Mom was a daughter of the late David and Bertha (Guy) Cole. She moved to Halifax for work at the age of 18, but always said that she was a proud Cape Bretoner and a “coal-miner’s daughter”. She met her future husband, our dad, Raymond Lorne Perry, in Halifax, and they later married in August of 1945. Mom became a dedicated homemaker and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage until Dad’s passing in 2005. Together they raised three daughters and were lifelong active members of West End Baptist Church.

Mom was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose commitment and love for her family was the focus of her life. She was a selfless caregiver to her ailing parents, and later to Dad after he became ill.

Her greatest joy was being a “hands-on” Grammie. Each grandchild shared a special bond with her; she was always ready with their favorite baked treat and was a constant presence and support in their individual milestones. She was adored by her grandchildren, who will all have a lifetime of “Grammie” stories and quotes to share.

Mom had a unique innate ability to connect with people, making them feel valued and at ease. Her natural grace and warmth resulted in many cherished lifelong friendships.

Mom was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond; sister, Hazel Clare (Steve); brothers, Alex Cole (Elaine) and David Cole and niece, Brenda Austin. She is survived by her daughters, Janet Hopewell, Carolyn Perry and Cynthia MacAulay (Peter); grandchildren, Christopher Hopewell (Iris), Erika Hopewell, Susannah Groom (Robert), Katherine McDonnell (Francis), Jenna Misener (David), Alex MacAulay; great-grandchildren, Lydia Groom and Liam McDonnell; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Cole and Ira Buhot-Perry, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with our mother’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation. Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

We are so grateful that Mom was able to fulfill her desire to live a strong, independent life in her own home. She was truly blessed with a long life well-lived and well-loved. Mom’s enduring legacy to us is grounded in her favorite quote from scripture: “And these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

A family graveside service was held on Monday, May 27 at 1pm at St. John's Cemetery, Bedford Highway, Halifax.

“There it ‘tis, Mom.”