Janet Louise Samis

It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Major (Retired) Janet Louise Samis on February 14th, 2023 in Belleville General Hospital.

Janet was born in McAdam, NB, to the late Clement and Doris (nee Talbot) White. Growing up Janet lived in Windsor, St Andrews, and Halifax, NS. She moved to Montreal where she met and married the late Mike Collins. They had two children, Michael and Sean. Tragically Sean died of a brain tumor at age ten, and that left a lasting pain in his mother's heart. That marriage ended and Janet entered a nursing program at the Douglas Hospital in Montreal.

Following her Nursing Diploma Janet worked in Sherbrook Quebec. There she joined the Sherbrook Hussars (Militia). This started her 30 year military career. She served in Ottawa, Egypt, Cornwallis NS, Kingston ON, Lahr Germany, and again in Ottawa, retiring in 1995.

She met her future husband Clay in Egypt and they were married in Kingston ON in 1984. Upon retirement in 1995, they moved to Brighton, ON. They followed Janet's inspiration and opened Wine Cafe Louisa, where Janet delighted in being the hostess and made many enduring friendships. Later she opened The Gallery on the Apple Route next door, where she showcased the talent of local artists.

She was a member of St Paul's Anglican Church and served a term as a warden. She was President of the Brighton and District Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed the social and volunteer aspects of small town life, she even ran for mayor once..

Janet and Clay spent many winters in the Yucatan, Mexico. There Janet's love of dogs led her to work with a local charity rescuing stray dogs. Janet did her part by adopting five Mexican dogs over the years.

She leaves behind her son Michael (Alexandra), stepchildren Dr. Andrew (Lorelei) Samis, and Jodi (Shaun) Fredenburgh. Grandchildren Dr. David (Dr. Kristen), Sean, Annie, Michael and Kieran Collins. Step grandchildren Tristen, Drew, Daria and Kieran Samis and Kael, Kaden and Jace Fredenburgh. She will also be missed by her brother Allan (late Donna) Fraser and many nieces and nephews.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at St Paul's Anglican Church, Brighton at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janet's memory to the SPCA or to St Paul's Anglican Church or to a Charity of Your Choice.