Janine Clark

Clark, Janine Leanne

It is with deep sadness that we announce that, Janine Leanne Clark, at the young age of 52 years old, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Friday, November 11th, 2022 as a result of complications with Primary Progressive Aphasia & Frontal Temporal Dementia.

Janine was very much a beloved daughter to Walter Leland Rutherford Clark (father - deceased) and Barbara Woods (mother), a Mother to Noah and Jacob Guillot (and Little Bit - her cat), a sister to Cheryl Clark, and an aunt to Dominica Clark.
Janine was born in Edmonton, Alberta during Lee’s (father) doctoral studies at the University of Alberta, however, Janine very quickly learned to call Brandon, Manitoba and Ottawa, Ontario her home.  Janine pursued a life in teaching as she obtained her Bachelor of Arts at Carleton University (Jacob continued her legacy at Carleton University as well!) and Bachelor of Education - specializing in sign language at the University of Ottawa. Janine was an intellect in many ways, however, her innate passion stemmed from helping others (in any way possible) and sharing her knowledge and love for education.

We were all blessed to have had Janine in our lives, and anyone that knew her understood the complexities she faced, especially over these past two years, when she was forced to come to terms with the reality of an illness that would ultimately rob her of everything that was sacred to her, at the forefront of that reality was the time she knew she would lose with her sons, Jacob and Noah.

Janine had a passion for life that was unmatched. The insurmountable love she had for her sons, family and friends spoke volumes to who she was at the core of her existence. Janine was dedicated to education and was rooted in the fundamental belief that all children deserved to feel safe and engage in life long learning, and she was there to support that belief as her dedication to children extended beyond the classroom. While her illness prevented her from returning to the classroom, her passion for teaching lent itself to other areas of her life including her volunteer work for the Children’s Crisis Line and tutoring students who needed extra help. Janine’s involvement in the community, her commitment to helping those who were vulnerable and in need, her passion for adventure and deep love of nature were only a few of the driving forces that allowed her to ensure that she made the most of every single day. Valuing the preciousness of time, Janine held everyone and everything she loved very close to her heart.

While living with this illness became extremely challenging for Janine towards the end, her mindset never wavered. She fought everyday, determined to live the best life she could given the obstacles that stood in her way, regardless of what that day might look like. Living in each moment, with the knowledge that time was not on her side, Janine ensured that she made the most of the time she did have. She was constantly following a path towards self-growth and self-discovery, opening her mind to teachings that brought value and meaning that in the end, allowed her to grow, come to terms and be at peace with the knowledge that she was dying. Janine will forever have a special place in all of our hearts and her absence will be felt in all the days to come. Janine will be deeply missed by all of the lives her beautiful soul touched, but the memories she has left behind for all of us will help to ensure that she will continue to live on in our hearts, and never be forgotten.

Janine’s selflessness transcended any possible fear she may have had in the idea of dying and she believed in the gift of giving through organ donation. Upon her passing, Janine donated her organs and was able to save the lives of three individuals who were in desperate need of organ donations.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Aphasia Center of Ottawa.

Friends may support the family at the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Avenue, Carleton Place, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 for a visitation from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. A service will follow in the Chapel.  A private burial of Janine’s ashes will follow shortly after with immediate family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janine Clark, please visit our floral store.