Janice Ghent

In Memory of

Janice Marilyn Ghent (nee Howarth)

July 12, 1950 - November 8, 2026

Janice passed away peacefully at Ian Anderson House, the Oakville hospice, after fighting ovarian cancer for three years.

She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Melanie Ghent (David Edwards); her brother, Dr. John Howarth (Judy); her former husband, John Ghent; her sisters-in-law, Natalie Howarth, Jo Ann Brown (Martin), Dawn Powell (John), and Nancy Ghent (Jean-Pierre Snyers); her brothers-in-law, Douglas Ghent (Sharon), Paul Ghent (Elizabeth); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Roy and Verna Howarth; her sister, Jennifer Howarth; her brother-in-law, Hugh Ghent (Claire); and her sister-in-law, Barbara Vlasov (John). Janice was an honorary grandma to her cherished grandchildren, Arwen, Ezra, Ivy, Jeremiah, Clara, Jacob, Lydia, William and Callum.

Born in Toronto, Janice's family moved to Cambridge (Galt) when she was two. Always bright, Janice excelled in school and was the recipient of many awards, including highest standing in science and mathematics as well as graduating as an Ontario Scholar with the highest average in the province.

Janice studied math at the University of Waterloo (1968-73) and education at Western University (1973-74). Janice met John Ghent at Forward Baptist Church while they were both in high school, and they married in 1971. They moved to Oakville in 1974, and Melanie was born in 1979. Janice worked as a computer programmer in the 1970s, and later, alongside John, in their urban planning consulting business (2002-12).

Throughout life's various stages, Janice maintained strong connections. New friends were always welcomed, old friends were never forgotten. She was a masterful communicator (a skill sorely lacking amongst her extended Ghent family!) and her desire for her friends and family to stay connected was evident in every email, update, phone call, or blog post.

Janice was a life-long learner, creator, and hobbyist. She was an active member in the Canadian Federation of University Women, a gourmet club, and many quilting guilds. She was a movie buff, a talented knitter and sewer, and a competitive bridge player (life master). Janice travelled widely, and even post-prognosis, with her oncologist's permission, she cruised (and hiked!) with her sister-in-laws and other friends on 4 separate extended holidays. Perhaps Janice's favourite destination was Miller Lake, a rustic camp she attended annually from 1983-2026, with many dear friends and family.

A treasured member of the family and faithful friend to many, she will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank Janice's medical team at Credit Valley Hospital, her Home Care team, and the staff and volunteers at Ian Anderson House for their support and tender care.

A funeral service will be held at Maple Grove United Church (346 Maple Grove Dr, Oakville, ON) on Saturday, Nov. 21, starting at 1pm, reception to follow. Janice requested that her guests wear comfortable, casual clothes. For those who cannot attend in person, a video of the service will be posted here on this webpage. For those who wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, we would direct you to either: Feed Halton (https://www.feedhalton.ca), or the Mennonite Central Committee (https://mcc.org).