Janice Eileen Hayward (née Gill)

Janice Eileen Hilary Hayward (née Gill) passed away peacefully, at noon on July 21. Jan is predeceased by her parents Carlisle and Maise Gill, husband Graeme, and brothers Brenton and Gordon. She is survived by her sons Gavin (Megan) and Peter (Andrea), granddaughter Lexie, nephews Don and Robert, nieces Kara and Debbie and grandnieces and grandnephews. She leaves behind a lifetime of friendships and a family who will miss her joie de vivre and energetic, youthful personality.

Janice was born in 1932 on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent. As a young woman, she left the island she loved to begin a new life in Canada, settling in Montreal where she met Graeme Wyatt Hayward. They married in 1958 and built a life together that lasted more than fifty-five years. Their first home was in the Town of Mount Royal, where they raised their two sons, Gavin and Peter. In 1984 they moved to Oakville, a community Janice quickly embraced and proudly called home for the rest of her life.

If you knew Jan, one of the first things you noticed was how much she enjoyed life. She loved to laugh. She was always humming or singing, and she had a way of making ordinary days feel lighter. Her sense of humor was gentle and infectious, and she found genuine joy in being with other people.

She loved games, especially bridge, and enjoyed the friendships that came with them just as much as the competition. She remained remarkably active throughout her life, playing tennis and badminton well into her eighties. Jan never lost her love of swimming even in colder Canadian waters. She was happiest puttering in her garden, always convinced there was one more flower to plant or one more weed to pull. Walking was part of Jan's daily routine. Whether she was heading to the club or the grocery store, meeting a friend, or simply enjoying a walk around town, she rarely chose to drive if she could walk instead. Jan was always up for a good party and her love of music and dancing was a joy to observe!

She and Graeme spent many happy years sailing and cruising, first aboard Mustique at The Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club and later aboard Stormalong in the Georgian Bay and at The Oakville Club. Jan was very active at both clubs, and it was there that many of her closest, lifelong friendships were formed. Through sailing, Janice and Graeme traveled the world, making friends and memories wherever they went. As much as she loved those adventures, Jan was always happiest back home with her boys and her friends.

When Graeme passed away in 2013 Janice carried on with the same determination and strength that had always defined her. She missed him deeply but continued to enjoy life, her family, and friends. She travelled and explored places like Jerusalem, Quatar, Spain and Portugal.

More than anything, Jan loved her family. She was a devoted wife, caring mother and a proud grandmother to Lexie, who brought her endless happiness. She celebrated their successes, worried about them when they struggled, and was always there with encouragement, practical advice, or simply a listening ear.

Jan will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, quick smile, and her ability to make people feel at ease. Her kindness was found in everyday moments. Those who knew her will remember her laughter, optimism, and the happiness she shared. If the sun was shining, there was a good chance Janice could be found comfortably sitting in a chair basking in its warmth.

The family is grateful for the love and care afforded to Jan by the staff and volunteers at the Sunrise of Oakville retirement residence. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada in Janice’s name.