Obituary of Margaret Kathleen Janssen

Margaret Kathleen Janssen (nee Jones) of Waterloo passed away peacefully on Sunday March 30, 2025. Kay, as she preferred to be called (because "my mother's name was Margaret") was 82.

Kay was an irrationally proud mother to sons Jeff of Waterloo and Ken of Ajax, and would have been a caring mother to more, had ill health not intervened. Kay was a deservedly proud grandmother to Sarah, Ashley, Ryan and Emma Janssen.

Kay was second eldest of seven children, and is survived by siblings Gladys Pennacchietti, Harold, Loyd (Diane) & Larry Jones, sister-in-law Janice Jones, & brother-in-law Robert Taylor. She is predeceased by parents Wes & Margaret Jones, siblings Jim Jones & Judy Taylor, brother-in-law Tony Pennacchietti & sister-in-law Sharon Jones. She is warmly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews and relations within and without West Nissouri Township.

Kay, her siblings and an impressive cohort of close-knit cousins were raised on adjacent farms lining the 4th concession, Thorndale. Kay applied farm-instilled frugality, her mother Margaret's precision and her father Wes's humour to all she accomplished in life. She thrived in her early career at London Life and as a young mother. More than once she dusted herself off from very serious illness to reclaim her independence and family matriarchy. After raising her family in Georgetown, many of her favourite moments later in life were spent organizing social events at Trinity Place apartments in London, and finally with the wonderful care team at Parkwood Mennonite Home in Waterloo.

She was a remarkably resilient and compassionate woman & mother. Mom, we will miss your stories taking 5 to 6 clever but completely unnecessary detours before the ultimate payoff. Also, watching the Lobby Channel at Trinity with you was always a good time. We still clean our swiss chard one leaf at a time like you taught us.

Family and friends are invited to Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S., St. Mary's Ontario, on Saturday April 5, 2025 for visitation from 1pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 2pm. Rev. Robert Lawson officiating. Reception to follow nearby. Interment at a later date in Robin's Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the food bank of your choice. Or, if you're so moved, support local farmers with your grocery dollars & think of Kay during strawberry, peach or corn on the cob season this summer.