I met Janet in the early years at Thornbury High school along with my friends here. As with all of us she was seeking to find her own identity and answers. We were drawn together by a love of literature, poetry, old movies, eclectic music tastes and a romantic idyllic vision of the past. We sometimes felt we were born in the wrong era and our conversations of times gone by would last for an age. We were all together developing and dreaming of who we believed we would become and how to save the world. Of what was possible, what we wanted from life and all that we could be as well as having lots of fun along the way. As a group, we spent much of our lunch breaks, after school and some holiday times together, and in between we would be on the phone for hours which drove my mum crazy. Janet was one of the first people to introduce me to different concepts and ways of thinking. She was responsible for my interest in vegetarianism, alternate therapies and modalities and spirituality. We shared a deep spiritual connection and opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. When we finished College Janet and my other friends were able to travel and I had to settle for living through their experiences at that time. Only this year have I been able to travel and Janet was so excited for me. Because of my friends belief in me, enthusiasm and encouragement was I able to take this trip and to take it alone. because I felt they were right beside me. Many of the places I visited were because of their and Janet's passion for me to see, learn and discover. I was so excited to get back and tell her of my adventures. Although thanks to modern technology and FB she was probably living it with me every day whether she wanted to or not. Janet and I did lose touch for a short while in our 20's but amazingly we reconnected when she settled down and moved near to me. We picked up where we left off as though no time had passed. We celebrated our weddings and our children's births and consoled each other in dark times. When life took an unexpected direction, Janet turned her fears and sadness into determination and courage. She turned a new house into her home. Complete with our touch of Feng Shui spring cleaning. I was fortunate enough to work with Janet at 2 of my jobs in children's services. Those days were a joy as it didn't feel like work. We hardly had to speak; we knew what needed to be done and what each other wanted with only a look. Janet always said she liked it when I was on the same shifts as her because it meant that she didn't have to do group music and story time and that my "cabaret act" was so much more entertaining than hers. On Mondays we would try and squeeze in a debrief, a laugh and cuppa before rushing off to our respective families, but always taking the time to chat to each other. Our children have attended the same schools, so we would always help each other out wherever we could and often did canteen duty together. And of course, I never had to worry about drinking alone. Janet was always ready and willing to have a champagne or two with me. Janet was very humble and modest and she didn't always believe in herself and see her worth as others did, but she had an inner strength, resilience and fight in her and boundless unconditional love that I admired greatly. When my mother died, she was the first person at the door with flowers, a meal and silent comfort. she just sat holding my hand ,knowing there were no words to be said. When I was struggling earlier this year, she cleaned my house and did my ironing. She would be astounded at the love and support shown here today for her and her family. Thank you. In the last few years we have spent most Fridays together at our Qi Gong and health cultivation classes. We treasured these times and fiercely protected them. She knew how hard it can be for me to take time out for myself so she made sure she was at my door at 9am getting me off to class. She was forever exploring life's possibilities and striving to be the best she could be and settled for nothing less. There will be an empty hole I will not be able to nor want to fill. When she gave me one of her beaming smiles, it was contagious and I just had to hug her. She used to call me her vault. We were each other’s confidantes. She could be a very private person and I am privileged to say that she shared so much of herself with me. I regret that I had not seen her in the last two months due to being overseas, but I know that she was happy and had much to tell me on my return. She had no idea how much people loved, respected and admired her. Her boys are her entire world and I know she will be watching over them always. The group of friends that stand here with me today is testament to Janet. Friendships that endure like ours are true and real, and are to be treasured and never taken for granted or neglected I will be forever grateful that Janet called me her friend. She will forever stay in my heart as her young and beautiful self, never to grow old. I have taken slight license with the lyrics of a song by the Idea of North that means a lot to me and I believe says what I am feeling far better than I can put into words. Janet, can you hear me calling? Spring's here are you near? My eyes fill to overflowing You’re gone, but life goes on And it's hard at first And I feel impatience growing And there's anger still I'm waiting for the axe to fall. Won't you take my hand? Fill my heart and ease my hurting? I am laid so low Lift me to the sky Janet, can you see the day dawning? Leaves turn, Hearts yearn Janet, I have to be going Life's gone, but you go on

Dearest Janet, I can't believe that I will never see your gorgeous illuminating smile again or have one of our long angst driven conversations about how our boys are doing, you being the biggest worry wart of us all!!!. I wish more than anything that I had sensed something was wrong when we had our very last chat on Thursday morning but you were your usual kind and considerate self, happily reconfirming plans for our boys for the following week. I will hold close to my heart that when I saw you for the last time on Wednesday afternoon, you were thrilled as Liam had happily completed his much dreaded homework with my son Trent and that this was a small reprieve for you and that you were in such a happy place in your own life. I will also never forget how hot you looked as the lady in red at your dinner party!! Your love for your two boys was phenominal, your drive and courage in providing a warm,stable and loving home for them truly inspirational and the way you conducted yourself on a day to day basis was pure class! It breaks my heart that you will not be here in person to see Aiden and Liam grow up into amazing young men but I take comfort in knowing that it was your moulding and nuturing that has made them into who they are today and will be into the future. You will be sorely missed, there is an empty rock/seat daily outside the boys classroom that will always be yours and there is a constant ache in my heart for how unfair and cruel life can be but I am truly honoured to have known you these last six years and to have been able to call you my friend. Always,Kerry x

My dearest Janet - always I think of you with your gorgeous laugh, smiling voice and deep reflective compassion and empathy for all others; your absolute pride in your boys Aidan and Liam and how you would regale me with gorgeous tales about their activities. I know that Herbalife brought us together but I believe God laid the path for our connection - you were my friend, you were someone I loved and liked and you loved and liked me back. For every time you told me you thought I was amazing I would always counter that it was exactly the opposite - that you were such an amazing personality and so strong and so caring for so many people. Forever in my heart Janet - my first Supervisor and my first team friend. My love and sincerest sympathy goes to your two beautiful sons and your gorgeous family and friends of whom you always spoke with such gentle love. Beautiful lady, Janet, be an angel for us all and just as the heavenly candles you made gave light and peace, so will you and your memory, for all of those who know you. Rest in peace my lovely friend xo Thankyou for making my world a brighter lace xo I will miss you dearly xo fiona

I suppose cliches sound old and tired simply because they come from essential truths, and are so well-used that they often lose their impact. But last Friday, 11/11/11, I really felt like I understood that word, 'closure'. Officially, it was a funeral, but in reality, for me? it was a wonderfully loving, appreciative, emotion-filled send-off. Not a real goodbye, just an 'adieu' for now...a 'farewell', in every sense of the word. I said 'fare well' to Janet as she went her off on her journey ahead of us, wishing her safe and well. It was much too soon, yes, and I was very unhappy to see her go on ahead, but I was reassured by the feeling that her loving, brave spirit is on the right path, to the next stage of her journey. I felt like she had opened a door and stepped through it, closing it gently behind her, but only for a while. I also felt, at intervals through the day, that she was apologizing for upsetting us all so much! "Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again..." -- that's the first line of one of Janet's favourite old movies -- Hitchcock's "Rebecca", from the novel by Daphne Du Maurier. I remember fondly, watching it many times with her, when we were impressionable and very romantic teenagers, melting at the sight (and voice) of the young, dark, handsome Laurence Olivier playing the tortured Maxim de Winter. Our youthful, receptive hearts were touched by so many atmospheric old movies, and I know that 30 years later, their impact was still being felt by us both in ways we probably didn't even recognize. Real life and daily concerns have a way of painting a thin protective veneer over things like teenage memories, but the effect they have on us is permanent, although unseen. But last night I dreamt of something else -- I dreamt I had been skiiing with Janet, high up on Mont Blanc above Chamonix, in the French Alps. That's odd enough, because I don't ski, and have nothing to do with winter sports or mountains! -- but as with most dreams, it seemed perfectly natural. Janet and I were standing confidently, resting on our skis, high atop a pristine, white, untouched plateau, under a bright, cold sun. We were completely alone, and surrounded by achingly blue skies and nothing but snow-covered mountaintops and fresh, clean emptiness, as far as the eye could see. Then Janet did one of those things I can well imagine her doing -- a sort of 'Titanic'-style gesture, throwing her arms wide, flinging her stocks away from her, letting go of them entirely. And she stood there with arms outstretched, her face shining with that childlike, laughing grin, and she was taking big deep breaths of pure mountain air. She didn't yell out "I'm king of the world!"...in fact she didn't say anything out loud, but with her arms spread wide and her eyes facing towards the endless blue horizon, her whole body seemed to be silently shouting, "Freedom!" And that was all, the dream just faded away. But I remember that as I was standing there watching her, all I felt was happiness. And when I woke up, I remembered a poem which had come into my mind while we were all in the Rose Garden on Friday, during the second phase of the ceremonies. It describes a slightly different sort of happiness, equally appropriate for Janet, I hope -- a calm serenity, achieved after much hard work, activity, upheaval, and confusion. Here then, at home, by no more storms distrest, Folding laborious hands we sit, wings furled; Here in close perfume lies the rose-leaf curled. Here the sun stands and knows not east nor west, Here no tide runs; we have come, last and best, From the wide zone through dizzying circles hurled To that still centre, where the spinning world Sleeps on its axis, to the heart of rest. -- from "Gaudy Night" by Dorothy L. Sayers

I first meet Janet when Liam started prep with my son Riley at Research Primary. Most of us new to the whole school thing and Janet who had been there an done it all before with Aiden was able to help us out with the whole transition. Very soon our sons became friends and the play dates started. Janet and i grew to know each other and during the times i would do Janets hair we would always have a real catch up. Chatting about our boys and what they where up to and about life in general. She was such a lovely sweet lady to talk to. The memory of Janet i will hold dearly with me was our last drink together at her house. What a great night with great friends. Janet and i singing at the top of our lungs to U2 and a bit of belly dancing going on in the background. Thankyou for that memory Janet. We talked about doing it for way to long. You will remain in our hearts forever . Sleep tight gorgeous. Sharon. x

I didn't know Janet that well, but I know her son Aidan is one of a kind and is still one of my best friends. I hope he is well, and Liam as well. You were a awesome and lovely lady, who was always polite, and had a great big smile. Janet helped out with when I came to see my friends. So I thank her a lot.

I knew Janet from my time at Research Primary School. She was always a willing and active person in the school community. Janet doted on her two sons, Aiden and Liam. I am so glad I was able to have a brief catch up when Nyssa and I were in Melbourne in August. Janet, you will be missed by so many people. Aiden and Liam, know that your Mum was a very wonderful lady, and she will never be forgotten. She is that first shining star that you will see each night, and her love for you will never end. Love from Kate Cratchley

I have known Janet since our boys started in Prep. For some reason Janet thought I was a good person to talk to for advice on" school and the boys". I think exactly the opposite and used to think how generous and patient Janet was and always valued her opinions and insights. I guess we were just two Mums just making sense of it all. My last piece of advice was to Janet on Eltham High, "Janet you are closer to Eltham than I am, Aidan will get in no worries", Well that was wrong and finally after much to and froing with the school by Janet Aidan finally got a place. Janet just laughed this all off. She had a tough couple of years but her strength and unconditional love of her sons was extraordinary. I will miss her,xxx

Every time i would say hello or pick up the phone the first thing i would hear from my beautiful auntie would be hello gorgeous or hello my gorgeous girl. That is one thing i will miss hearing forever form janet. I will also miss going to the ballet every year, going to some beachy getaway every 3/4 term holday and having christmas with her. My family and i wil miss you forever. Infinity Hugs,kisses and memories Love Maya xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxox

I have been struggling for days to find the words, and the strength, to express my feelings about the loss of my old friend Janet. I still haven't come to terms with the idea of a world without her in it, but I have to start somewhere. Her unique soul and fervent, loving spirit will never be replaced. She and I became friends in high school, when we were young and hyper-romantic and had unlimited dreams and yearnings ahead of us. We shared so many things back then - not only our middle name and our very close birthdays but also our passionate historical, literary and musical tastes! And although our lives took slightly different directions, I never really considered us to be out of touch. My love, affection and concern for her was never lessened by geographical distance, and our mutual beloved friend Alison always kept me up to date, and made me feel the continued strength of our connection. And on the few occasions I was able to meet up with Janet in person, it always felt like the many years had never passed by. Her flashing, sunshine-smile would light up her face, she would grab my arm in a sudden rush of joy, and the years would drop away and I could feel our shared youthful dreams and energy blooming out of nowhere like a rose. Goodbye for now, my dear Emily Jane. Footfalls echo in the memory Down the passage which we did not take Towards the door we never opened Into the rose-garden ... For most of us, there is only the unattended moment The moment in and out of time, The distraction fit, lost in a shaft of sunlight, The wild thyme unseen, or the winter lightning Or the waterfall, or music heard so deeply That it is not heard at all, but you are the music While the music lasts ... What we call the beginning is often the end And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from ... We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. -- selections from "Four Quartets" by T.S. Eliot

Blessed to know you Janet as my friend and sister in law for 15 years.We had many hours of laughter and chats over a cup of tea or glass of wine .Kiara will sadly miss you as will i . For a short time we were lucky to have you in our lives and never forget you and the happiness you brought into our hearts. Will sadly miss you Janet

Blessed to know you Janet as my friend and sister in law for 15 years.We had many hours of laughter and chats over a cup of tea or glass of wine .Kiara will sadly miss you as will i . For a short time we were lucky to have you in our lives and never forget you and the happiness you brought into our hearts. Will sadly miss you Janet

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel and how much we will miss Janet. I have been blessed with calling her my friend. Our friendship grew like many others through our children. I first met Janet when her son Aidan started Prep many years ago with my son Boden. As their friendship grew so did ours. Janet often described herself as a homebody. Her beautiful boys Aidan and Liam were her universe, along with her family and close friends. Many would describe Janet as quiet, shy, caring, calm, graceful and generous in nature. She was always there to help out with tasks such as school canteen, classroom help, school excursions etc if asked because it meant also helping her boys. She was also there for her friends if they needed help with child minding or just a good long chat. My son Boden was welcomed into her home like another son and he fondly remembers her always calling him an angel much to his and Aidan's embarrassment. To Aidan and Liam, our thoughts are with you and as the hurt and sorrow fades hold tight to the wonderful loving memories of your mother for comfort. We will miss you Janet but you will remain alive in our memories.

Janet and I met in the early years of High School. I think we were drawn together because of a mutual love of Literature. Along with others we formed a group called The Bidelonian Club (for all of you who remember Hey Hey in the late 70's) we hung out every lunch time, after school and on holidays. we lost touch when Janet moved overseas for 3 years, but on her return we took up like we had never been apart. We shared many laughs together and much sorrow. We were there for each others weddings and births. We also worked together for several years. Fridays were our day together. We spent most of the day doing what we loved, our Qi Gong and Health cultivation classes and when we could fit it in lunch as well. Thank you Janet for being my friend and my ever patient confidante.

Emily finds a strange shaped stick in the garden "can I take it to show Janet?" I tell Emily we are going to Playhouse session today, she asks quickly "is Janet going to be there" and that frog you helped her make out of a paper plate...6 months on she still shows it to new visitors saying "we made it at playhouse with Janet". This morning when em asked if Janet was going to be there it bought tears to my eyes. Your connection with the children was undeniable. You have helped shape so many little peoples lives that your legacy will live on through them. You were also a great support for me, especially when little Oliver came along. Thank you Janet. We will miss you more than you could imagine. My thoughts are with your boys at this time x

“Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.” Kahlil Gibran quote You have been so special to so many people, without realising it. I will miss our chats, your lovely way with all the children, and with everyone. I will miss your friendship. I feel priveleged to have been a small part of your life. My heart goes out to your family and those closest to you. Goodbye beautiful Janet.