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Janet Forbes Obituary
It is with very heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of a wonderful and inspirational woman, Janet Lee Forbes, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Even in her darkest times she refused to be anything but positive and was a ray of sunshine to us all. Janet attended Hillcrest High School and Lakehead University where she completed a degree in teaching and went on to enrich many young minds with her knowledge and love of the French language. Her teaching career took her from Atikokan, Ontario to Red Deer, Alberta and back to Thunder Bay where she reunited with her childhood friend and love of her life Pat Onski. She continued her teaching career with the Lakehead Public School Board until her retirement. Janet had a great love of fishing and spent many wonderful times with Pat and their dogs Beau at Sparkling Lake and later Sammi and Goldie at Dog Lake. After Pat's passing Janet's many and wonderful friends at Dog Lake Resort took her fishing so she could continue her “pursuit of happiness”. In more recent years she also ventured on numerous fishing expeditions to resorts around Northwestern Ontario with her friends. The latest of which was an all-girls' trip which netted her a 26” pickerel. Janet loved being in a boat on the water, with the people she enjoyed. Catching fish was just a bonus. Janet is survived by her much loved sister-in-law Anna Forbes, nephew David Galandziej, niece Justyna Poling and her children Olivia and Noah. Also survived by Aunt Hazel Forbes and cousin Ann Forbes (Toronto) as well as aunts, uncles and cousins in Manitoba and the United States and many close and personal friends, all of whom will feel her loss for a long time to come. Janet was predeceased by her husband Pat Onski, parents Robert and Amy Forbes, twin sister Joyce Forbes-Cattani (Barry), sister Margaret Forbes-Uchacz (Peter), brother Bruce Forbes and in-law's Tom Onski and June Onski. A Celebration of Janet's life will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 10:30 am in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N Court St. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at the Sargent & Son Facebook page. Interment to take place at a later date. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society, Salvation Army, Northern Cancer Fund or a Charity of Your Choice would be greatly appreciated.
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Janet has ‘Gone Fishin'.
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Memories and Condolences
for Janet Forbes
Sponsored by Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel.
10 Entries
Brant Muir
September 7, 2022
Mme was my science teacher in grade 2, and french teacher from grades 3 through 8. Her love of Scrabble was passed on to many of her students through her coordination of the Scrabble clubs at both Balsam and later Vance Chapman school. It was with her encouragement and coaching that I began playing in the TBLG Scrabble Magic tournament at Intercity Mall, and continued playing for 13 years. In recent years, we would challenge each other to matches on the Scrabble Go app. I´m sorry to hear of her passing and I´ll miss playing Scrabble with her.
David Muir
September 7, 2022
I am saddened to hear of Janet's passing. Mme. was an excellent teacher who shared her love of the French Language and customs with her students. She will also be remembered and cherished for inspiring many of her students to learn and love Scrabble. My son was one of those fortunate students. She was not only one of my son's favourite teachers and scrabble mentor, she was my colleague and friend of many years. She will be missed.
Kelly Daberer
September 7, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Janet´s passing. I saw you monthly at cancer clinic and always took you for my patient. You taught French to both my kids, Jason and Alysha and they both had very much respect for you! We always shared pictures of my grandchild and your fishing pictures. I will miss you ! Rest In Peace my dear friend!
James House
September 6, 2022
Madame Forbes was my elementary French teacher and my Scrabble guru. From her I learned the value of two-letter words, double-scoring high value tiles, and all sorts of nonsense vocabulary to get an edge in games. She led me to two Scrabble Tournament student division victories at Intercity. A genuinely kind soul, Je Ski to heaven.
Brent Fuhr
September 4, 2022
Mme Forbes remains a key figure in my memory of attending Balsam Elementary. She was an inspiring teacher and exuded love in sharing the French language with her students. Sending love to her family.
Sharon
September 4, 2022
I met Jan when I was a PSW for Tom Onski. After Tom passed, I helped out with June. Jan was very hands on with their needs. She was there every day, making sure meds were ordered, groceries bought, and all appointments booked. They couldnt have asked for a more organized, loving care giver. That speaks highly of her character. Rest in peace Jan.
Janet Johnston
September 3, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. We chatted every once in awhile when my husband Bill and Bruce were in the Hospital at the same time. I was just thinking about her yesterday and didn't know she had passed. Again, so so sorry for your loss. Sincerely Janet Johnston
Alex Jackson
September 3, 2022
Madame Forbes was such a memorable part of my childhood. The way she taught was fair, firm, and fun. In the end the memories are only good ones and it´s telling of a life well lived that I can remember her face, voice and mannerisms all these years later.
May we all hope to leave such a good legacy as that.
Alex Jackson.
Gillian House
September 3, 2022
Mme Forbes - thank you for sharing your passion for French with me at Balsam Street School - you were always one of my favourite teachers! RIP
bill white
September 3, 2022
sad to see her and pat were such good friends and people will be missed dearly
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Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel21 North Court Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4T4