Obituary of Janet Helen Sloane

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Janet Helen Sloane (née Sutherland) of Grand Bend, who died January 26, 2026 in London, Ontario. Jan was born October 8, 1953 in Kitchener, Ontario, and is survived by her husband of 52 years, Danial Sloane. She was a devoted mother to Jason Sloane and Jennifer Loker (née Sloane) (Geoff Gibson), and to Stewart Loker, known to Jan as ‘Biff,’ who held a very special place in her life. Jan was an incredibly proud grandmother to Alexander and Isaac Sloane, and Emerson Loker. Grandma Jan held many special memories of time spent at the beach with her grandsons and nieces and nephews, playing along the shores of Lake Huron, and enjoying life at the cottage. She was also a proud Hockey Grandma, who traveled around Southwestern Ontario ice rinks to cheer on the Cambridge Hawks. She was predeceased by her parents, Malcolm Stewart Sutherland and Marjorie Helena Sutherland (née Gateman), her in-laws Don and Val Sloane, her sisters-in-law Patricia and Brenda Sloane, and her cousin Stewart Sutherland. She is survived by her cousins Ted Sutherland (Muriel), Ken Sutherland (Diane), and special friends, Briand & Irene Hall. Jan was deeply cherished by her many nieces and nephews, who held a special place in her life. Jan began her career in radio broadcasting in Wingham, Ontario, before moving into newspapers in the Waterloo Region in 1985, where she spent many years and built lasting friendships. She spent the final decade of her career with the Waterloo Region Record, part of the Torstar group, serving as Classified Advertising Manager. Jan also held board positions with the Newspaper Association of North America, reflecting her leadership and commitment to the industry. In retirement, she and Danial settled in Grand Bend in 2008, becoming active and deeply connected members of the Southcott Pines community. Jan loved playing cards, always ready for a game and especially fond of Euchre, where she was known to call many a lone hand. She was active in Probus, church, and the Horticultural Society. An enthusiastic participant in many book clubs, Jan was well known at the local library for both her love of reading, her Goodreads rating, and the remarkable speed at which she moved through books. She travelled widely, embraced new experiences, and formed deep friendships wherever she went. A devoted patron of the arts, Jan held season tickets and made time to support live music and theatre, from performances along the lakeshore to the Huron Country Playhouse and Centre in the Square in Kitchener. Jan had a remarkable ability to connect with people. She loved conversation and curiosity, books that stayed with you long after the last page, time at the lake and near the water, a good game of cards, shared laughter, and the joy of travel and discovery. She had a way of listening that made people feel truly heard, a warmth that turned acquaintances into friends wherever she went, and an incredible sense of humour and wit. She was proud of her family, deeply loyal in her friendships, and generous with her care. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 2nd 2026, 1-3:30pm; remarks at 2pm, at the Southcott Pines Clubhouse, 10246 Lakeview Ave, Grand Bend.