Janet Cookson (Rick) VAILLANCOURT
1951 - 2024
We are profoundly saddened to announce that on March 18, 2024 Janet Cookson (Rick) Vaillancourt passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.
Janet was predeceased by her parents William and Miriam (Carmichael) Rick and her sibling Robert Allen Rick. She is survived by her beloved husband Denis Vaillancourt and their sons Pierre and Simon, siblings Wilma Grainger (Gar), Norma Lockwood (Brian), John Rick (Barbara), Anne Taylor (John), Jill Rick and Richard Tent. Janet had 17 Rick family nieces and nephews who will always share wonderful memories of family Christmas parties and summer barbecues. They are Allison, Michael, Elliott, Oliver, Andrew, Kim, Erin, Bruce, Ellen, Charlie, Orion, Percy, Lyra, Emma, Reilly, Avery and Edan. Cousins Robert Rick, Julie Leeder (Dean) and Joanne Taylor (Michael) and their families are also close to Janet.
Born on June 14, 1951, in Val-des-sources (formerly Asbestos), Quebec, Janet spent her early years in Quebec City and later the Rick family moved to Danville, Quebec. She was educated at Fanshawe College, Mcgill University and University of New Brunswick. Denis and Janet were married on June 23, 1984, and moved to Mont-saint-hilaire, Quebec. As with everything she did, Janet’s passion for teaching was unparalleled. She taught for many years and was admired by her colleagues for her dedication and creativity (like baking 21 gingerbread houses for each of her Gr. 1 children to decorate at school).
Janet and Denis eventually retired to their home in Bolton-ouest, a busy, happy home where friends and family gathered to share laughter, Denis’ garden produce, Janet’s homemade cakes and pies, and sunsets from their deck overlooking the mountains.
Janet lived life to the fullest. Each day was a new adventure with some of her many friends, either canoeing, hiking, riding, skiing or volunteering at community events. Her energy and enthusiasm for everything was unstoppable and a challenge for most to keep up. Her friends are too numerous to name and they have all been a vital support for her during the time she has been ill. She has received continued love and support from her equestrian friends, her teaching colleagues, her ‘Hot Tub’ girlfriends, her church, her skiing partners, the EONOQUOQ canoeing friends, and the ‘G4.’ All have been for many years, a source of good times that have made her and Denis’ lives so full and rich. As she was throughout her life, she continued to surge ahead during her illness by being brave, determined, generous and kind at all times.
No obituary can begin to reflect what Janet meant to us. We will try hard to fill the hole in our heart with the joy for life that she demonstrated.
Janet and Denis wish to thank Dr. Stéphanie Désilets and the CHUS Oncology team, the MUHC Stem Cell Team, Dr. Giannangelo GP from the Knowlton Medical Clinic, Dr. Sophie Bourbeau and Emilie from MAID.
According to Janet’s wishes there will be no funeral. If you desire to honour Janet, she encouraged all those who are able to donate blood or support the Canadian Blood Services. A private family gathering will be decided upon later in the year.
Arrangements entrusted to
BROME-MISSISQUOI Funeral Complex 402, rue de la Rivière,
Cowansville QC
PHONE: 450-266-6061 complexefuneraire.ca