The influence of a good teacher can never be erased
-Unknown-


It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Keele on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Janet was born in 1943 and grew up in Toronto in a loving family where her connection to Westmoreland United Church became an integral and lifelong part of her faith, community, and identity. While attending Bloor Collegiate, Janet discovered her passion for music—a love that would shape her life’s work. She went on to study music at the University of Toronto, and upon graduation achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a music teacher.

Janet enjoyed a rich and fulfilling forty-year teaching career at Humberside Collegiate where she directed 39 musical productions while inspiring generations of students. In recognition of her dedication and impact, she was honoured as Ontario’s Teacher of the Year.

Janet met her loving husband, David, through Scouts. They were married in 1973 and shared a devoted partnership until David’s passing in 2001. Together, Janet and David cherished cottage life, first in Penetanguishene and later at Manitoulin Island. Her cottage brought her immense joy, peace and happiness throughout her life.

In retirement, Janet remained deeply involved in music and in her community. She directed several musical variety shows with the Beaver Club of Westmoreland United Church and conducted the Humberside Alumni Choir, continuing to share her passion and talent with others well into her senior years. Janet was, without doubt, one of the Toronto Blue Jays’ biggest fans, faithfully cheering on her team through all the good times and the bad.

Janet is lovingly remembered by her family, including Allan and Mary Thomas and their two children, Kara-Lee and Jeffrey, and her nephews Matthew, Timothy, and Luke Oldham and their families. She was also blessed with the love and support of her special friends Gerry Mielke, Heather Jonasson and Suzanne West.

Janet was predeceased by her husband David, her brother Jimmy, her sister Margaret, her brother-in-law Peter, her nephew’s wife Sandy, and her parents Gordon and Emily Keele.

In keeping with Janet’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Janet Keele may be made to Lung Cancer Canada, Community Living Toronto or Friends of Humberside.