Janet Diane Malley, who adored her family, opened her heart and home to anyone who needed her, and could sew anything —from a bedspread to a prom dress—died on Sept. 12, 2026, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was 81.

Born in Toronto at the end of World War II to Lila and Leslie Badger, Janet met her husband, Malcolm Malley, when she was 16 and employed at the local Dominion store. After spotting the beautiful redhead working the snack bar while he was stationed in the produce department, Malcolm asked Janet out on a $2 bet, launching a love affair that lasted 65 years. Following their marriage in 1964, they moved into an apartment in Oakville, Ontario, and later bought their first home in Newmarket, where they raised their two girls.

Janet was an avid reader and critical thinker, completing the York University Bridging Program for Women in 1986. She had a strong moral compass, a selfless approach to life, and a clear sense of justice. She always made room for other people’s needs, imperfections, and struggles, and she championed the underdog—the spare bedroom in her home was rarely empty. She never let other people’s expectations define her and taught her children the same.

She was a rock-star nana, excellent golfer, talented gardener, caring pet parent, Halloween costume specialist, loyal friend, and wicked baker (her Nanaimo bars were legendary). She always made time to sew sock puppets, design paper doll clothes, decorate cookies, help with projects, chaperone school field trips, and attend every performance and hockey game, cheering on her children and grandchildren with tremendous pride. Her tolerance for children’s basement musicals was unparalleled.

Janet had a gift for making Christmas magical for her family, a talent she passed to her daughters. A skilled homemaker and valued employee, she worked part-time in the fabrics and notions department at Sears and later served as the credit manager for Blair Supply Company until her retirement in 2009. A true ocean lover, Janet enjoyed their move to Wasaga Beach, where she spent many hours walking along the water with Malcolm, and winters in warm places.

Janet is survived by her loving husband Malcolm; daughters Diana (Rod) Lawrence and Denise (Martin) Harding; grandchildren Henry Lawrence, Sydney Harding (Alex) Greek, Avery Lawrence (Cadence Erikson), and Sam (Allison) Harding; and six siblings.

The family will hold a private interment service.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shi and the staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital, as well as the staff at Union Villa in Markham, for the compassionate and excellent care they provided to Janet. In lieu of flowers, please honour Janet’s memory with a donation to Dying With Dignity Canada.

Her family is bereft without her but so grateful she was theirs. Rest in peace, Jan, cherished wife, mom, and nana. Your love shaped our family. Give Whisky and Toffee a hug for us.