Janet Evangeline Marie Stewart

Stewart, Janet Evangeline Marie (Decaire) - 93, Liverpool, NS, after a brief illness, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 8, 2026 at Queens General Hospital. 

Born in North Bay, Ontario, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Florence (Jarvis) Decaire.

 Growing up during WWII, Janet learned how to live frugally and be unwaveringly generous to anyone in need. Incredibly talented in art, dance, and also being a North Bay beauty queen, she was scouted by the Rockettes, but decided to give up a future in professional dance to marry Sandy and have a family. Janet’s raised her youngest sister and brother after her parents died early in tragic circumstances. Taking care of others became a continuous theme for Janet, welcoming anyone who needed a warm meal, a bed, or a temporary home. You know who you are. As a result, Janet has many who consider her Mom. To receive a hug from Janet could never be forgotten, it was as sincere as it was extraordinary. Cooking and baking from memory, she could whip up a batch of chicken and dumplings, or a blueberry pie, her pastry was unmatched. Having a large family to feed, there was always an abundance to make sure no-one went hungry. Cooking a supper that required 4 chickens and 10 lbs of potatoes was normal occurrence, and she made it look easy. When her husband Sandy’s banking career gave him the opportunity to return to his home province of Nova Scotia, Janet instantly fell in love with its scenic beauty. Once settled, she could not imagine living anywhere else. This began her artistic journey capturing nature, life at the fishing wharf, or cape island fishing boats. She painted on canvas, rocks, tiles, wooden buoys, and anything else her mind chose. She also began teaching both art, tap, and ballet lessons. Retiring from these in her 70’s, there are many people that attended her lessons. Everywhere Janet went, someone would say “Hi” and reminisce about the lessons they had taken from her in their youth - she loved and cherished these moments. Generosity was one of the foundations of Janet’s life. Anyone who knocked on her door and made a phone call hoping to have a donation of her art for fundraising was always supported. The collections from her dance recitals always went to the IWK. Anything that supported children was dear to her, and there are thousands of children, over the years, who had their faces painted during fairs, festivals, and fundraisers. 

Janet is survived by daughters Margaret(Mary)/Mike, Bonnie/Jo-Anne and sons Mark/Andrea, Bruce/Heather, Scott/Alice, Peter/Janine and Tom/Rita; sister Pauline, brother Greg/Florence, sisters-in-law Dee and Wendy. She has 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and numerous foster grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Janet is predeceased by her husband Sandy, sister Donna, and brothers Mike,Frank and Maurice, brothers-in-law Bob and Dave. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool NS. There will be no funeral service or visitation and scattering of ashes will be with family. Donations can be made in Janet’s memory to the Queens General Hospital Foundation, IWK Foundation, or the charity of choice. Online condolences may be made below. 

Janet’s family would like to express deep gratitude to special neighbour & friend Dave Nickerson, and for the compassionate care received from Dr Gary Ernest and the extraordinary staff of RQHS (especially Julie), Queens Manor, and Queens General Hospital.