Janet Ferguson FORSTNER

Janet Ferguson Forstner, B.A. M.D., Ph.D., LL.D.; professor and scientist; born in Toronto, ON, November 14, 1937. Daughter of Robert Ferguson Chisholm and Dorothy Alice (Pinchin) Chisholm; and cherished sister to Judy Wilson. It is with the deepest sadness that we share that Janet "Jan" passed away, in the company of family at Sunnybrook Hospital on June 25, 2024. Her family, her many friends and former colleagues warmly celebrate her extraordinary life. She leaves Gordon Kenneth Forstner (Andrea), Lawrence Robert (Cheryl); grandson, Sacha Gordon (Hailey); and granddaughters, Tatiana (Lujack), Kayleigh and Samantha. She was raised in a close family in Toronto's Moore Park, in a house with two baby grand pianos, where she developed a lifelong love of classical music. She mastered canoe tripping at Camp Tanamakoon and made lifelong friends. Always a stout champion for her family and many friends, she could be counted on both in the best of times, and the most challenging. Jan was a pioneer of her time, challenging societal norms as one of the early vanguard of female physicians and scientific investigators. She became a pediatrician and a leading global medical researcher. A role model for students and graduates in Canada and abroad, Janet "Jan" attended Branksome Hall School, 1955; University of Toronto B.A., 1958; University of B.C, M.D. 1962; University of Toronto, Ph.D, 1971; Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Hon LL.D, 1994. Jan's accomplishments and accolades are recorded in tomes of scientific research, papers, and journals too numerous to list here. She began her journey to medical school at the age of 16, at the University of Toronto and the University of BC. Following a residency in pediatrics in Chicago and studies in biochemistry at Boston University, she obtained a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the U of T. Her work focused on the biochemistry of glycoproteins, relevant to many diseases, including cystic fibrosis and cancer. She has more than 100 publications to her name in in the top-ranking refereed publications. In 1960, she married Dr. Gordon George Forstner (divorced, 1995). Together, they established the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children, where the duo led the outstanding investigative team that isolated the Cystic Fibrosis Gene and extended the quality of life and the lifespan of CF patients. She continued to work on CF for almost 20 years without pause. Jan was also Professor and Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children, and a founding member of the Canadian Association for Women in Science. She was selected as recipient of the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal in 1993 and received the Volunteer Service Award from the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Jan became an acknowledged world expert on mucin biochemistry, cystic fibrosis and CF research, and served for many years as member and Chair of the CF Foundation's Medical/Scientific Advisory Committee, with a reputation for openness to questions and new ideas - reflecting the interdependence of clinical medicine and scientific research in the quest for a solution for cystic fibrosis. Jan's lifelong love of learning and commitment to community continued into retirement. She was active in founding and developing two Probus Clubs in Toronto and her book club. Jan was a cherished member of her local neighborhood. Resolutely independent, in retirement she mastered power tools, deck repairs, and similar challenges. For many years she enjoyed her walks through Glendon Forest and the Rosedale Ravine with friends, family, and her wayward and loveable dog, Jasper. Her intellect, knowledge, and wisdom were remarkable, her dedication, loyalty, and resilience - unwavering, and her playful humour - infectious! She was mischievous in her jokes and purposeful in the nonsensical and silly. And yet… she held herself with humility and grace. She rarely spoke of her own accomplishments, but rather delighted and championed the successes, interests, and journeys of others. She was a leader, mentor, colleague, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. For all the roles she played, she did so with tremendous kindness, love, and generosity.