Janice and I briefly overlapped in our lab at MIT. It was immediately clear upon meeting her that she was a kind, effervescent, and genuine person. She will always be missed and remembered by many people <3

Hi, I use to mentor Janet during her time at YPALS at YMCA. She was a bright young girl with a beaming smile. Her intelligence and kindness amazed me, she was always very helpful to me and others. Sometimes she would even advice me even though I was her mentor. I miss her so much. She will always be in my heart and I will never forget her voice. She is an angel and in heaven. I miss you Janet, I think about you a lot. Thank you for being in my life.

I just learned about this, and cried so much. I met Janice in freshman year of high school, and she was my locker buddy, right beside mine, so I would see her every day. We hung out, talked about Taylor Swift, and took selfies in our Halloween costumes. I haven't seen her in a long time, and when I went to try to reach out to her to see what she was doing I saw "Remembering" on Instagram. I was shocked and couldn't believe it. I loved her energy and positivity, she was inspiring and awesome. I wish I would have reached out to her sooner and reconnected. 

Goodbye, sweet Janice. This is not the end ultimately, may you be reborn in a place much more peaceful. Thank you for all the smiles. I miss you dearly.

Janice was on Eco Council with me in high school. During that year, I was unable to attend meetings or make a bare minimum effort due to chronic illness. My doctor check-ups were on the same day as our council meetings. When I was going to be kicked out of the council, Janice was the first to say differently. She spoke to the heads of the council on my behalf, and extended me empathy and understanding when no one else would. She didn’t pry as to what the condition is, didn’t judge, and welcomed me back with open arms. She even had me photoshopped into our group council photo. Janice, I think about you whenever life gets tough, as you were the first person to ever believe in me and fight for me despite my illness affecting my performance. I wish that wherever you are at now, that you are at peace. Thank you, Janice. 

I was on MIT Driverless with Janice. She was always so cheerful, intellectually curious, and extremely generous. She inspired me to be a better person. I miss her and I think about her often. ❤️

Hey Love,

We knew each other for almost 5 years now ever since we both started joining the same design club. You were just in second year and I was in third year. You would always ask me whenever you have question and I would share my notes and books with you. We help each other a lot both during school, club, and even after we graduate. I enjoyed hanging out and eat with you especially going to robotics event. You are always interested in those thing. Actually, you are interested in many thing since you are a curious girl. You always insisted on buying me food and bubbletea, and we would take turn. I enjoyed every videos call we had especially that long call when I was at the airport during covid, you are a great company. I can talk to you about anything. I love all the silly talk we had, even looking at our messages make me smile. I always love teasing you haha, you are just too cute and adorable. We sure had a lot of great time together. Thank you for always making my days and encouraging me. You show me that there are little good thing in life. You are the kindest person I have ever met.

You always ask me for my opinion about school and job. I try my best to answer your question from little knowledge that I have. I was sure you have bright future ahead since you are smart and kind. I was happy when you got into MIT, but now I wish I didn't let you go. I wish I gave you a better guidance, be a better mentor, and take the load of stress of you. Sorry that it takes me so long to notice what have happen when you haven't reply to my message for so long. I wish I could have reminded you not to worry about life and future too much because they're uncertain. I hope you are happy and are in a better place now. I will never forget you, Janice. I'll miss that pretty little smile of yours. Love you always.<3

To Janice's Parent:
Your daughter is really one of a kind. She's the best and kindness person, love by many. I am truely sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.

I met Janice in second year of our studies at the University of Toronto and within only the first few days of working together with her I could tell that she was extremely smart, but also compassionate and understanding. 

Through the several years I've known her, there was not a single day where her positivity  couldn't brighten up my day. Simply talking to her made you feel hopeful and whatever troubles were on your mind just a distant problem.  Janice, was just that type of person, a brilliant scholar, but kind humble and down to earth - an amazing friend and one of the most wonderful people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. My deepest condolences to her family.

To Janice: our sweet, beautiful and so much loved neighbour, babysitter and friend!
Emma searched for you today on Instagram and she couldn't find you...Then she searched more, because we didn't believe it...Then she checked again your name, because it didn't seem right or real or true...It must be a mistake or misreading or wrong, please don't be true! Then tears started to flood from our eyes and since then, they cannot stop crushing our hearts and our breathing...
Dear Janice, you are a member of our family, you babysat Emma and Marc with so much love, kindness and joy! You brightened up their lives with your smiles and cheerfulness, you inspired them with everything you did with them and for them! Your name always brings a smile on their face and excitement to see you!
I see you walking down the street from school and I see you singing a song with Emma... I see you sitting on the carpet and doing Spirit of Math with the kids... I see you playing with Marc...
I see you as an angel on Earth, who touched our lives so deeply, so you will be present in our family for ever! We will never  forget you!
To Nicholas and Maggie: No words can express the pain of losing Janice, we cannot bear the thought of your suffering and undeserved pain... We are here for you anytime you need us...
Janice, we will always love you and you will always have a special place in our hearts!

I struggled to write this for a long time because of how many lovely memories I have of Janice from our time in the same program at the University of Toronto. She was, I am certain, one of the few people each of us has the privilege of meeting about whom there are only positive things.

A wonderful colleague, she was the best lab partner and group leader one could ask for, unflappable and encouraging throughout all the projects we worked on together, and always ready with a backup plan or notes to share where and when I fell behind.

As a friend, she took interest in all my aspirations and interests, strange as many of them were: I will never forget the walks to and from Innis College in first year when we shared our hopes and plans for the future. 

And nobody needs me to tell them just how brilliant Janice was academically—it was just too impressive how she always stayed one step ahead of the challenging research environment at U of T (as I am sure she did at MIT, too).

More than that, Janice was unwaveringly caring and kind, an understanding and reassuring presence in the face of any challenge. As generous with praise as with time and energy, she brought joy to the community with SPARK’s many ingenious installations under her leadership, and to her friends with her unfailingly cheerful greetings and check-ins. 

I will always feel immensely grateful for the privilege of Janice’s friendship, and wish to convey my deepest condolences to her family: there is truly no doubt that Janice brightened the lives of everyone who had the fortune of meeting her.

Janice, students always have a place in a teacher's heart, and you have a special place in mine. Your radiant smile, your contagious  enthusiasm, and your friendly personality is what I will cherish the most. 

I loved working with you in our lab sessions; you asked tough questions, and were a joy to work with. Even when you were sleep-deprived after an all-nigher, you always had the biggest smile, and were always willing to help others.

Thank you for being a great student, and an even better person. My deepest condolences to your family.

I was always so envious of Janice - she is effortlessly brilliant and genuinely kind. In first year, we had all our courses together and everything was SO hard. But amidst the computer labs that took hours to complete (and barely worked), the problem sets that we’d work on until midnight in Robarts, and the long long lectures we barely paid attention in :)... we were always laughing. We laughed when we sat on the floor of the labs in absolute frustration, we laughed silently in lecture when the profs were strange, and we laughed at awful pictures we took of each other every day. I am so privileged to have been there to see her grow throughout our years in university. From the earlier years when she was hesitant, nervous and excited about her exchange (and leaving home for the first time really), to excelling and becoming a “grad to watch” and moving to Boston. I will always be so thankful for having such a bright and beautiful friend, someone who meet at chatime every September for my birthday and someone I could always call when something was wrong. I am thankful for you every day, Janice. And I miss you every day. My heart is broken for all those who love you and miss you because time apart is unbelievably hard. But until we see each other again, I’ll think of you always, smile at our hilarious memories, and wish to see you soon because I still owe you a bubble tea!! 

To Janice’s parents - thank you endlessly for raising your beautiful daughter. She is loving, she is kind - and that comes from you. I am so sorry for your pain and indescribable loss.  

I met Janice during class at UofT. Every time we crossed paths, she always had the biggest and most welcoming smile. Janice was extremely intelligent and caring. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. 

Janice, I remember how we'd walk to high school together everyday. I don't remember the specifics of the conversation but I remember the feeling. The ease of talking to you, the constant laughter, and the energy in that moment. It was always a highlight of my day and you were always such a great listener.

Come university, we’d meet up with Anita when we were in the same city, around twice a year. I remember each of these meetups distinctively because you were always so excited about what we were doing - whether we got tacos or watched Shakespeare. This carried over to the bigger things too; I loved hearing your life updates because it was clear that you always saw the best in people and situations. You inspire me to view the world in a more playful and fun light. 

Despite the fact that we didn’t spend a lot of time together in the past few years, you’ve given me so much through our friendship and I’m incredibly grateful for that. Thank you for showing me what love and empathy looks like, and for building the friendship that Anita and I now have. Janice, I love you and I miss you. 

My deepest condolences to Janice’s family - she’ll always be in our thoughts. 

I feel so lucky to have shared time with Janice. She was a member of my team at Spin Master, and I distinctly remember meeting her and was immediately impressed with how forward she was in her curiosity, openness, and willingness to listen and learn. Janice brought so much love and light into this world, and she taught me how to be a better leader, and to share with generosity and kindness. To have been a mentor for her is truly one of my greatest fortunes. My deepest condolences to her parents - please know how much we love her and how much she impacted us in the most positive of ways.

Thank you Janice for being a wonderful classmate to attend UofT with. Always an optimistic person and a pleasure to work with during group projects. Your head was full of creative and innovative ideas. You will be missed dearly. 

Nicholas 

I met Janice through a mutual friend when we were both in 3rd year  at UofT. My fondest memory of us was when we went to Woodbine beach and ate ice cream and played beach volleyball. She was always supportive, positive and had a smile on her face. She's one of the smartest, nicest and passionate people I've known. 
I will miss Janice very much, and my deepest condolences to her family. I am grateful that I met Janice in my life and I will treasure her memory.

I met Janice at the University of Toronto. We were in the Track One General Engineering Program initially and went into Mechanical Engineering after the first year. I still remember the first time talking to her in Calculus class as if that was yesterday. Her bubbly and friendly personality made a strong impression to me right away.

Throughout the four years we studied together and the PEY year in between where we both worked in downtown Toronto, I have made so many memories with Janice. I still remember sitting next to her in lectures, collaborating on projects and labs, walking home together after our evening classes, and talking about our dreams in the future.

Janice has always been such a supportive friend that I will forever feel honoured to have met. Her energy and enthusiasm were infectious to those around her. She was so bright yet so humble of her achievements. She made sure to check in with me right after I moved to Houston recently to attend graduate school.

Friendship transcends death. She will always be remembered.

Although I don't know Janice very well, she is the kind of person that always puts a smile on my face whenever I meet her in school. She is so bright, energetic and has great sense of humor. In my eyes, she is someone who has so much love in life and so much passion in her dreams.  Miss you, Janice. Hope your smile still shines bright in the other world. My deepest condolences to Janice’s family. 

You will always be in my heart 🌸
你永远会是我记忆里那个笑靥如花的少女🌸

I met Janice for the 1st time when she came in to help me understand some code she wrote. It’s easy to see how bright and thoughtful she was, but what stuck out to me the most was how incredibly passionate she was about her work. She was able to explain a topic in such a way that in the end even I was absolutely obsessed with a topic that I had no experience or knowledge of moments ago. We only met that day for about 20 min but I saw her a few more times over the months ahead. All I can say is that each time further cemented her place as a kind, passionate and full-of-life person she was. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.

Dear Janice

It was a great experience to work closely with you at Spin Master. You impressed every one  in so many ways, smart, friendly, helpful, mature beyond your age. And the most I enjoyed was your fashion sense. You were abnormally stylish from being an engineering student. I love those photos that you were wearing the floral shirt I gave you, so lovely, beautiful!  Janice, there is a place in my heart for you and forever, love!
My deepest condolences to your parents and families.

Although I didn't know Janice well, we always had lovely exchanges in the halls of Spin Master and a shared love for Halloween. 

My sincerest condolences.

Silvia

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday.
Unseen, unheard and always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.


You will always be the outgoing and pretty young lady in my life.

I have known Janice for almost ten years! I met Janice in our grade 10 business class at York Mills CI. I was sitting in front of her and introduced myself. She was the nicest and sweetest woman. Fast forward to grade 12, I had most of my classes with her. Janice was a caring, kind, and intelligent individual who taught me so much about myself, and truly a role model to everyone around her. Her positivity and enthusiasm gave me the strength to be confident in myself, especially when it came to solving difficult problems in our advanced functions and physics class. 

Janice and I became super close when we were in the same English class with our good friend, Amy Wang. From creating YouTube videos, “How to Fake Madness” for class projects to group presentations; truly, we were the best team ever! 

After high school graduation, at least twice a year, Janice, Amy, and I would spend countless hours deciding on what to do and where to eat. Without a doubt, we always ended up at a Mexican restaurant in downtown Toronto, eating tacos and getting dessert was our tradition. From making pizza together, shopping, video calls and deep conversations, she brought so much happiness and joy into my life. 

Every time I hear a Taylor Swift song on the radio, I will think about all the unforgettable memories with Janice, and will cherish them forever. I am truly so lucky to have met Janice, one of my best friends, in my life. Words cannot describe how much I miss Janice. My deepest condolences to Janice’s family. 

Love,
Anita Chung


I met Janice through an Engineering club in the second year of university and we were part of the team throughout working on various projects together. Janice meant more than a teammate to me. I loved bumping into her at school and seeing her bright smile or having a small talk with her as we walked together to the station after our club meetings. Her positive mindset and enthusiasm always gave me energy to go on even when I felt depleted. I can hardly believe that I won't be able to see her big smile but I will always remember it. My deepest condolences to her family. 

Janice is a sweet, caring, positive human being and an ambitious, strong woman. I knew her since 2016 through the YMCA, and I can't believe I'm friends with such an accomplished, passionate yet humble and kind person. We bonded through our love of Taylor Swift. I messaged Janice every time Taylor released new music or any time there is news about her. Rest well now you sweet soul Janice, you'll always be in my heart. Every time I hear Taylor Swift,  you know I will think of you. 

I met Janice back in 2013. She had such a wonderful personality that we became friends after the first meeting. Although I was at the Y to complete my volunteer hours, it was also a time to spend with friends outside of school. Janice made our space so much fun and inviting. One of our major role as mentors was to make every participant feel welcomed, Janice did exactly that. She was so full of life and everyone she came across felt so loved and well understood.  She inspired me to participate in every opportunity we had. We went on numerous trips, conferences, meetings, and award ceremonies. She was the first person I would look for. 

As University approached, we kept in touch. I saw ger as the type of person who would succeed in anything she sets her mind in. The last time I saw her was summer of 2019. Eventhough she was busy with her co-op, she made time to see us. It just goes to show how much Janice values friendship. She is very loyal, trustworthy and deeply cares about everyone around.

It was such a pleasure being a part of Janice's life. In days that I feel  heavy grief, I remember the tremendous impact Janice had in me. 

Janice, I will miss you everyday. Thank you for everything.

My heart goes out to the Zhou family. I will keep you all  in my prayers. My condolences.

Love,

Rheign

Janice was one of the first students that I met when I became a professor at UofT. Meeting her made me very excited to do my job – to get the chance to work with smart, thoughtful, creative, fun students like her. She was a bright light herself, but also a great teammate and mentor for others. My memories of Janice will continue to inspire me.
My deepest sympathies to the Zhou family.

I knew Janice as we were part of the same student club for 4 years, and throughout this time she always had a smile on her face. Janice was one of the friendliest people I knew, and was always making sure everyone around her felt included.  She wished the best for everyone and had a huge impact on everyone in the club. 

My deepest condolences to her family, your daughter was an amazing person and was loved by many.



Janice! You're truly one of the most kind, bright and thoughtful individuals I have ever met. You managed to be so beautiful inside out every time I saw you, I talked with you. I'd forever remember you saying ''hey girl, how's it going'' with the biggest smile on your face. I never told you this but you are definitely one of the people from NSC that I always looked up to <3 You will continue to inspire me everyday and thanks for being SUCH a wonderful friend!  Thank you for listening to my worries and comforting me. I can't thank you enough in words, can't hug you like before but know that I'll always love you <3 

Dear Janice's family, my deepest condolences to all of you and thanks so much for raising an amazing human being. 

I still remember meeting Janice in the library for an interview. It was exam season but she still had this biggest smile on her face. Regardless of the situations Janice always made me see the brighter side of life and I will truly miss her and the joy she brought to me and so many others. I hope when the time comes we can catch up.

My deepest sympathies go out to Janicies family

Hi Janice,
I thought I would meet you again on Gradball. We would exchange hugs and talk about ourselves for some time. I didn't see you as often after Track 1 but I knew we would always have talks that are  make the day brighter.
Although we don't see each other as often anymore, I remember that day Toronto has a solar eclipse and you lent my your glasses. We were just standing there, occasionally laughing and mostly staring at the sky for memory that will last forever. I remember the day we went to escape room, chose the newest mode, and was stuck there until 30 minutes past the closure time and the staff have to kick us out.
For these reasons, I think I am allowed to call you a special friend with some special memories.  A lovely individual that I will never forget, with memories that I will cherish and pass on. You still live vividly in my heart, in my mind's eye, with the hugs and the "hey Linda what's up".
But I have to say farewell for now; I wish you are now in a better, happier world.  For us stuck in the less-cool world, we are very very sad but we will be hugging each other virtually while thinking of you.

With lots of love,
Linda

I have known Janice since Grade 10 when we took ELS class together. Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland, asking her to prom (and she said yes!), and the prom night were some of the most memorable moments of my life. Janice is someone I look up to, in both academic achievement and personality. I found out last week that Janice published her undergraduate thesis work as the first author in the Journal of Mechanical Design (although the only thing I understand was a cute little car).  Sometimes when I think of giving up on school work,  I would regain my momentum (an engineering word!) by think of friends like Janice, who is so outstanding and with a never-giving-up attitude. I have never lost anyone this close to me in my life. Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart.

The last time we met was in 2017 at my birthday dinner. She came in a little late due to meetings, but I was very happy that she kept her promise. Before she went to Cambridge last August, I congratulated her on her admission to MIT. I asked whether she wanted to stay at home or go to the U.S., and she told me she wanted to go there. I totally understand her decision, and said: “Let's catch up when you come back in the summer!” She replied: “For sure, and hopefully by then we will all be wiser than who we are today”. I know Janice will keep her promise to see me, but I have to first become wiser. 

It is sort of a cultural thing that we rarely say “I love you” to (opposite-sex) friends, but this is the best subject-verb-object sentence to express my feelings right now. I love you ten thousand, Janice. 

I wanted to share this photo with Janice’s friends and families. This was taken on prom day, and her father took this lovely photo for us. My sincere condolences to Janice’s family.

Janice, I promise you that I will become a better person, and learn how to sing and play Blank Space on guitar (which was what I intended to sing on my promposal) when I see you on the other side. I love you <3

Janice was truly one of the sweetest and kindest people I ever had the pleasure of meeting during my time at UofT.  From the moment we met in first year, she always had a smile on her face and was ready to chat about anything.  She will truly be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, and will always be remembered for her warm and friendly personality. 

Janice was a beautiful, kind, talented young woman who I had the privilege of working with at Spin Master. Her wonderful smile was so uplifting, and her buoyant and caring personality made her loved by all.  Janice's aptitude at everything she touched was extraordinary, and she showed her intelligence with modesty and
humbleness. I will carry the conversations and fun I had with Janice deep in my heart, she will never be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to her parents.

If you had the good fortune to know Janice Zhou, then you, like myself, were lucky to know what a lovely and wonderful young woman she was.  Through the grief, I find solace in my memories of Janice.  Her warm personality, always smiling and curious, and her never ending kindness to everyone.  I will miss her terribly, but I will keep her close to my heart, always.  

My deepest condolences to her parents for their loss.  My thoughts are with you in this most tragic time.


Janice was so kind and thoughtful. She shared with me some of her worries and fears about research and grad school, and I saw so much of myself in her. I felt confident that she was going to make a huge impact at MIT and prove herself wrong. And she has made a huge impact on everyone who she met here. Her sunny smile and warm personality will always stay with me. I am grateful to have known her, even for a short time.

I have known Janice for so long. Never have I  met someone so wholesome, so kind and so loving, who would go so much out of their way to help their friends. Going to the same high school, getting into the same program for university, graduating together, my best memories of Janice tie with listening to Taylor Swift together and being frustrated over why our computer labs never worked out. She showed me what kindness truly looks like and she showered all of her friends with love, kindness and gratitude. I wish I could say how thankful I am that I met her and I wish I could tell her that I will cheer for her no matter where she goes. Janice was an amazing human being and I will miss every bit of her every single day. I hope you keep on shining your lights on us and I really wish I get to see you soon ❤️

Janice always had lovely smiles and shared her exciting research ideas in robotics & AI during our research meetings. Thank you for our wonderful memories together with our friends at MIT, and I will forever remember you as my bright and happy friend. I pray that your soul is in peace with our heavenly Father in heaven. 

The Dragonfly Story
 
In the bottom of an old pond lived some grubs who could not understand why none of their group ever came back after crawling up the stem of the lilies to the top of the water. They promised each other that the next one who was called to make the upward climb would return and tell what happened to him. Soon one of them felt an urgent impulse to seek the surface; he rested himself on top of a lily pad and went through a glorious transformation which made him a dragonfly with beautiful wings. In vain he tried to keep his promise. Flying back and forth over the pond, he peered down at his friends below. Then he realized that if they could ever see him they would not recognize such a radiant creature as one of their number. The fact that we cannot see our friends or communicate with them after the transformation which we call death is no proof that they cease to exist.

I can’t express how much Janice meant to me. She always brought so much light into the lives of those around her. My condolences to you and your family.

OBITUARY

Jinxuan Zhou

August 28, 1997 – February 25, 2021

J.S. Waterman Langone Chapel

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