TRITES (Wadlyn), Janet Jean
August 9, 1953 – March 11, 2024
It is with broken hearts that the family of Janet Jean Trites, age 70, of Berwick, announces her passing on March 11, 2024, at Valley Regional Hospital. Janet was an extraordinary mother, wife, sister, and friend, who will be missed dearly by all who knew her. The love of her family sustained her throughout her 20-month battle with cancer. As Janet’s flame was finally extinguished, she was snuggled under her treasured comfort quilt sewn for her with so much love by her ‘quilty’ friends, wrapped safely in John’s arms, with her children holding her hands. Janet was born in Montreal in 1953 to Larry and Jean Wadlyn. She grew up in Moncton, spending her summers in her favourite location, Pte-du-chêne, and pursued her education at Mount Allison University where she met her husband, John. Janet liked to fly under the radar, never drawing attention to herself. She was consistently calm, kind, and non-judgmental. Her gentle sense of humour, resourceful problem-solving, generosity of spirit, and quiet leadership created a classroom where her students were valued and loved. Janet was immensely proud of her children and looked forward to every visit, Facetime, video, and picture. In one of her final conversations, Jan expressed her overwhelming joy that all of her children had found such wonderful and kind partners. She truly believed that she and John were so fortunate to have four beautiful children with wonderful partners. Her three granddaughters were the light of her life and she loved to hear about their every adventure. She found great joy and satisfaction in creating beautiful quilts, most of which she donated to organizations such as Quilts of Valour, Chrysalis House, and Camp Brigadoon. These quilts provided comfort and warmth to hundreds. A passionate musician, Janet loved to be involved in any music endeavour. She played in pit bands for school musicals, volunteered with the local music festival and the Honour Choir, assisted with school bands, and enjoyed joining the 14 Wing Greenwood band upon her retirement. Janet is survived by her husband, John; her children, Marsha (Mike), Jenny (Matthew), Peter (Emily) and Michael (Savanna); beautiful granddaughters, Zoe, Ivy, and Daphne; and sisters, Betty (Chuck) Steeves and Phyllis (Richard) Bennett; extended family and many very dear friends. A very special thank you to all of the extraordinary personnel in the Oncology Clinic at Valley Regional Hospital, who through their caring and compassion, made a difficult journey so much easier. Thanks, are also extended to all the others in various units of Valley Regional Hospital and the QEII Hospital who assisted Janet and her family. Your kindness and care will always be remembered. In her final act of generosity, Janet donated her body to the Dalhousie Medical School Human Body Donation Program for teaching and research purposes. At Janet’s request, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Donations in memory may be made to Quilts of Valour (https://www.quiltsofval our.ca/donate), The Annapolis Valley Honour Choir, (https://www.avhc.ca/avhcsupportus) ora charity of your choice.