In memory of

Janet Elizabeth Gladish

December 19, 1943 -  February 1, 2024

Sadly, Jan passed away on February 1, 2024, after a long illness in her native Toronto. Born on December 19, 1943, she was educated at Earl Haig Secondary School and at Trinity College, University of Toronto. Jan (also professionally known as Libby Hughes) then went to New York City in 1971 to pursue her dream of a stage career. At that time, she attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she furthered her training in the dramatic arts. Over the course of the next four decades, she appeared in many stage productions, workshops, and films throughout the United States, mainly in New York but as far afield as Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Alabama. In addition, Jan worked for many years as a graphic artist for Kaplan Associates, and later as a tour guide. She returned to Canada in 2011.

Predeceased by her parents, Robert and Edith, she will be sorely missed by her three brothers—Robert (Veronica), David (Eva), and John—as well as by her three nieces—Jenny, Gwyneth, and Meredith.

Jan will remain vivid in the minds of those who knew her for her deep love and respect for acting and singing, Shakespeare, her Buddhist faith, and an undiminished enthusiasm for her adopted city, New York. Those who spend their lives doing what they love are truly fortunate.

A special thanks is due to those who cared for her over the years at Sunrise Senior Living in Burlington, and the Rekai Centre in Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jan’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appropriate.

A celebration of her life will be announced later.

Guestbook 

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david m h hughes (cousin)

Entered February 8, 2024 from oshawa

With my deepest sympathy.

Marie Rosie Natscheff (Friend)

Entered February 8, 2024 from Toronto

Bob so sorry to hear your sister has passed, my deepest condolences to you and Ronnie.

Regards Rosie

Andrew Gladish (Cousin)

Entered February 8, 2024 from Clarence Creek Ontario

Linda,

Thank you for all the memories. I will always remember your smile and your beautiful heart.

Truth is I am saddened beyond words. My lord please take care of her.

Love from Andrew Gladish

Bill Gladish (1st Cousin)

Entered February 8, 2024 from Ottawa, ON

Janet was always open and interesting. Us Ottawans sadly get to miss our Torontonian quite a bit and Janet being in New York for the better part of her life even more so.
My fondest memory is one time when the Gladishes from Toronto were up visiting us at the Echo Drive house and Janet approached me and asked if that was my motorcycle (a Kawasaki 900) 8n the laneway. Of course I responded yes and asked her if I could take her on a tour of Ottawa pn it. To my surprise she agreed and when she told me she had never been on a bike before, I told then her I would go easy on her. We were out for about an hour and a half and did every major parkway in town. Upon pulling into the lane at Echo Drive she gleefully explained "That was really fun". Janet always remarked to me about it everytime we were together. Hope the angels give you a good ride too there Janet !

Hugh (First Cousin)

Entered February 8, 2024 from Ottawa

Huge respect and sadness for a favourite of mine who pursued the tough road of living life in the Arts.
I admired her choice to live and work in Manhattan.
She was my Patti Smith of the family. Creative and determined.
It had been too long since we visited. She inspired me.
May she rest peacefully, my very unique cousin Janet.
You've left a hole in NYC and your Canadian family.

Photos 

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