Obituaries

Janet Shelia McLeod (nee MacLeod), 75, of Hammonds Plains, NS, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Janet was the cherished daughter of the late Roy and Glene (Schneider) MacLeod.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Mal McLeod; her children, Jeannine (Phil Blackmore) and Jennifer; her grandchildren, Drew, Keegan, and Kaelan; great grandchildren, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Alexander; her sister, Sandra Paul; and her brother, Alan MacLeod; several nieces and nephews.

Janet will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and the quiet warmth she brought to those around her. Her love of sports began early, including and not limited to skating on the Rideau Canal and playing soccer in high school—moments that brought her both joy and lasting memories. She later shared that love with others, proudly helping Jennifer’s soccer team and passing along not just her skills, but her encouragement and enthusiasm. Competitive at heart, Janet approached life with determination, grace, and a sense of fairness.

Her love for animals was lifelong, beginning with cherished summers spent at her uncle’s farm and continuing throughout her life, as her home was rarely without the companionship of a beloved cat or dog.

Janet and Mal raised their girls in Sydney, NS, where they built a loving and supportive home. After the girls finished school, she and Mal moved to the Halifax area to spend more time with her mother, a reflection of her deep commitment to family.

Janet was known for being sensible, fair, and deeply caring. She was loving, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand, especially in support of Mal and his business endeavors. Her quiet strength and generosity will be remembered by all who knew her.

Her legacy lives on through her family, who will carry forward the values of love, resilience, and compassion that she lived every day.

At Janet’s request, there will be a private service, and interment will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or Alzheimer Society.

Janet will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

From one of Janet’s favorite songs, River, by Joni Mitchell

“I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh, I wish I had a river
I could skate away on”