Obituary of Janet Lee Wile

Of Toronto, formerly of Windsor, Nova Scotia, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 in Toronto, after a short battle with cancer, with family and close friends by her side, at the age of 71. Born in Windsor, Janet was the eldest child of the late Aubrey and Ruby (Lowthers) Wile.

Smart, independent, strong-willed and endlessly fun, Janet was a whirlwind - a force to be reckoned with whether she was organizing a family adventure, leading a major corporate project, or presiding over a horse show ring. She had a sharp mind, a quick wit, high standards and a deep sense of purpose that shaped every part of her life.

Her love of horses began early. As a young girl, she was active in the Avon Pony Club. In her teenage years, the arrival to the Wile family of a beautiful black horse named L’il Luck Bee deepened what would become a lifelong passion for the equestrian world. In the ring, Janet and L’il (the little Quarter Horse that could) faced horses much taller, more expensive and breeds better suited to jumping – and routinely beat them all. In later years, Janet became a respected horse show judge and steward with Equine Canada, earning certification to the FEI level. She brought knowledge, fairness and dedication to the sport she loved.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Acadia University, Janet earned master’s degrees in English and Public Administration from Queen’s University. She went on to build an award-winning communications career that took her across Canada and into senior leadership positions with many companies, including director roles at Barrick Gold Corporation, Siemens and Honeywell.

A gifted communicator and strategic thinker, she earned more than 40 professional awards, including six Gold Quills from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Janet was accredited by both IABC and the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and was recognized throughout her profession for her leadership and contributions. She was named an IABC Canada Master Communicator, a CPRS Fellow and a CPRS Life Member.

Despite her many accomplishments, Janet never stopped giving back. She volunteered extensively with both IABC and CPRS serving as an awards judge, accreditation programs examiner, student mentor, and committee member, including Chair of the Master Communicator Selection Committee. In retirement, her lifelong love of animals continued through volunteer work caring for cats with the local humane society - but she always made sure there was plenty of time for her own beloved cat, Carrie.

Janet lived life fully and on her own terms, enjoying ballet performances, live theatre, CFL football and going out for coffee with friends. Although her career took her away from Nova Scotia, her love of family always brought her home. Time spent with family was always cherished and get-togethers were filled with much laughter and storytelling. Janet leaves behind family and friends who will deeply miss her larger-than-life spirit.

She is survived by her brother, Michael (Dianne Burns), Windsor; and sisters, Peggy, Falmouth and Suzanne, Halifax.

Arrangements for remembrance have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 23. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, July 24, in the funeral home chapel with a reception to follow in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. Private family burial will take place in Vaughan's Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet’s memory to your local SPCA or Humane Society; Vaughan's Community Cemetery, 1356 Hwy 14, Upper Vaughan, NS, B0N 2T0 or to the CPRS Foundation, 5 Edinburgh Road South, Suite #3, Guelph, ON N1H 5N8, would be gratefully appreciated. Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, opening the obituary and clicking on the condolence tab.