With family at her side, Janice passed away peacefully at Aspira Waterford Barrie Retirement Living on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late John Laking. Loving mother of Wendy (Fred) Fretz, Jane (Claude) Ricks, Sandra (John) Chalmers, Paul (Anne) Laking, John (Anita) Laking, and the late Susan (Bruce) Nickel and Ruth Laking. Sister of Bruce McCuaig. Proud grandmother of Kelsey(Andrew) and Brooke (Jason) Nickel, Jennifer (Corey) and Jamie (Heidi) Ricks, Kristin (Colin) and Kyle (Natalie) Chalmers, Alan (Alma) Laking, Erin, Heidi, Taylor and Jordan. Loving great-grandmother to 17 great-grandchildren.
Janice grew up in Barrie, and after attending Barrie Central Collegiate, went on to graduate with a BA from Western University. Upon completing teacher’s college, she began her teaching career in Petrolia before moving back to Barrie to teach at North Collegiate where her devotion for teaching was highlighted by the special interest she took in each and every student. In 1972 she began her next career in municipal politics, serving as a city councillor until 1988 when she embarked on her 4 terms as mayor of Barrie.
Family was at the very heart of Janice’s life and she took great joy in being surrounded by the generations. She instilled in them her many ingrained values, leading by example to strive for excellence, always putting others first, to being engaged and active in the community and to give 100% in all endeavours with an optimistic mindset.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Waterford for the exemplary attention, care and compassion given to our mother over the past 7 years.
Friends and family will be received at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street on Saturday, October 17th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life will be held at Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier Street on Sunday, October 18th at 2:00p.m. In memory of Janice, donations may be made to MacLaren Art Centre or to the Rotary Club of Barrie Charitable Foundation.