Obituary of Janet Catherine McKinney
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Janet Catherine McKinney announce her passing which occurred peacefully on December 18, 2023 at Shannex Embassy Hall with her two adoring children by her side.
Born in Saint John, New Brunswick on December 4, 1944, Janet is survived by her son Mark (Patti Ellis), daughter Ellen (Jamie Thorpe), brothers David Peacock (Marie), Keith Peacock (Sydney) and sister-in-law Imogene Elliot along with many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Ernest and Ruth Peacock, her husband Robert McKinney and her brother-in-law Bernie Elliot. Janet was a member of Rivercross Church.
Janet cherished her upbringing on Sandy Point Road. She often regaled memories of multi-generational gatherings with the Peacock and Smith clans that typically involved baking, picnics, camping, swimming and skating. As a teen she became a proud Girl Guide leader which may explain her mastery of knitting, sewing, quilting and gardening.
She studied at UNB Fredericton and would go on to teach at Glen Falls Elementary School for 33 years. “Ms Peacock/Mrs McKinney” was known for her out of the textbook teaching methods that offered students customized, hands on learning experiences. She and her colleague Linda Dodge were granted the Hilroy Fellowship Award for Excellence in Teaching for their Living Loyalist Museum educational series. The award was presented to them by Governor General Romeo LeBlanc in Ottawa.
In 1968, Janet met the love of her life Bob McKinney, another fellow teacher and renowned local musician, and they married at St Barnabus Church in August of 1969. The pair were inseparable and always put their family first. Janet was an exemplary, selfless, supportive mother. Bob and Janet loved to travel and especially enjoyed their annual summer road trips to New Hampshire with the Elliot family.
Janet courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for over 30 years without complaint. Instead, she chose joy and channelled her energy into art. In lieu of payment, she donated her watercolour works to be auctioned for the benefit of local charities.
She fought until her very last breath. Her heart was just so big and strong. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, grace and kindness. Our forever teacher…
Janet’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Shannex for their compassionate care over the past year. She was a ray of sunshine and we will miss her beautiful smile and generous spirit.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). A Funeral Service will be held from The Brenan’s Chapel on Monday, January 15, 2024, beginning at 11am. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet’s memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Alzheimer Society of Canada. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com
