It is with very heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of a wonderful and inspirational woman, Janet Lee Forbes, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Even in her darkest times she refused to be anything but positive and was a ray of sunshine to us all.
Janet attended Hillcrest High School and Lakehead University where she completed a degree in teaching and went on to enrich many young minds with her knowledge and love of the French language. Her teaching career took her from Atikokan, Ontario to Red Deer, Alberta and back to Thunder Bay where she reunited with her childhood friend and love of her life Pat Onski. She continued her teaching career with the Lakehead Public School Board until her retirement. Janet had a great love of fishing and spent many wonderful times with Pat and their dogs Beau at Sparkling Lake and later Sammi and Goldie at Dog Lake. After Pat’s passing Janet’s many and wonderful friends at Dog Lake Resort took her fishing so she could continue her “pursuit of happiness”. In more recent years she also ventured on numerous fishing expeditions to resorts around Northwestern Ontario with her friends. The latest of which was an all-girls’ trip which netted her a 26” pickerel. Janet loved being in a boat on the water, with the people she enjoyed. Catching fish was just a bonus.
Janet is survived by her much loved sister-in-law Anna Forbes, nephew David Galandziej, niece Justyna Poling and her children Olivia and Noah. Also survived by Aunt Hazel Forbes and cousin Ann Forbes (Toronto) as well as aunts, uncles and cousins in Manitoba and the United States and many close and personal friends, all of whom will feel her loss for a long time to come.
Janet was predeceased by her husband Pat Onski, parents Robert and Amy Forbes, twin sister Joyce Forbes-Cattani (Barry), sister Margaret Forbes-Uchacz (Peter), brother Bruce Forbes and in-law’s Tom Onski and June Onski.
A Celebration of Janet’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 10:30 am in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N Court St. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at the Sargent & Son Facebook page. Interment to take place at a later date. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society, Salvation Army, Northern Cancer Fund or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
If anyone is looking for her, Janet has Gone Fishin’.
