Dear Rob and Tash,   Janet and I worked together in the HR Operations team and right from the first she was welcoming and helpful. However it was over the four years that we worked together that it became clear just how great a colleague she was – incredibly knowledgeable, hard working and supportive. Janet also had a relatively rare quality; great integrity and the ability to speak coherently and persuasively about what she felt to be right or wrong. Her no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to her work was, and will remain, a gold standard for me when dealing with HR cases.    But there were so many other wonderful things about Janet! Her sharp and often wicked wit, her many interesting anecdotes and of course, her unrivalled dedication to a paper based office! Smaller memories stand out, but they are no less important for being so – Janet introduced me to the joys of Reduced Salt Marmite. I enjoyed picking out the best damsons from my allotment for her when I found out she liked them. Janet would often speak about her family and it was obvious how proud she was of Tash. As busy she often was,…

I was terribly sad to hear this news and I wish to pass on my sincere condolences to Janet’s family and friends. She was a lovely colleague who was always happy to help and she made a great difference to lots of people who she worked with. …

Such a shock to hear that Janet had died….her family must be reeling  I worked with Janet for over 10 years and was always struck by her commitment, calmness and professionalism. She was valued by all who knew her. As well as being a dedicated colleague Janet was a devoted mother and wife and I only hope that her family will manage to come to terms with this loss and remember all the joyful times. “You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she would want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”  D.Harkins    …

Bob and I worked with Janet for a good number of years, through various forums but mainly on union based activities. Janet was always friendly, helpful and was really good at the detail. It was a great shock to hear about her passing and our thoughts are with her family and friends….

I was so very shocked and saddened to hear about Janet and still can’t quite believe she has gone… Though we haven’t worked together for some time, she was a much valued and respected colleague for many years, managing to strike the perfect balance between absolute professionalism and genuine humanity. Reliable, kind, sound judgement, bags of common sense and a wonderfully cheeky sense of humour. My deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and colleagues. She will be sadly missed by all those lucky to have met her….

I have many happy memories of Janet, from discussing our daughters love of dancing and their involvement in “Miss Sallys” dance shows to her epic paper base filing system and her ability to put her hand to a document 15 years old at a drop of a hat.  I am so sorry for your loss, you are both in my thoughts….

I was desperately sorry to hear that Janet has passed away.  She was a great colleague and a wise source of advice during my time at the University of York – a gentle soul and a very fine person.  Best wishes to her family and friends.  …

The words quiet, kind and talented come to mind when I think of lovely Janet. I am lucky to have worked with Janet since 2010. From day one, she impressed me with her professionalism and astounding knowledge. Her recall ability was impressive, though she modestly attributed this to her love of paper notes. She was a generous colleague, always making time to listen and give sound advice. She was a very special member of the team. I will miss her dearly. …

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Janet played an instrumental part in my career by recruiting me at a housing association in Leeds – my first proper job. She unofficially mentored me and besides being a wonderful, fair, kind, professional, colleague, who encouraged me to go for promotions and pursue my part-time degree study she was always really good fun and just lovely to be around. Some years later I was delighted to find that Janet too was working at the University of York. Our paths didn’t cross as often as I would have liked but I always enjoyed working with Janet and bumping into her on campus. She always had time to chat and was genuinely interested in people, not just the jobs they did. I am sure she will be sorely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of working with and or knowing her. My sincere condolences to her husband and daughter. Rest in peace Janet xx…

I am deeply saddened by the news of Janet’s sudden passing. When I was Head of History I worked closely with Janet. She was very supportive of me as a new Head, always at the end of a phone call to answer my queries. I feel privileged to have worked with such a  generous person. Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time….

It is now nearly 10 years since I retired. I was very sorry to hear that Janet had died, she had been very supportive of me and of the Department of History when I was Head from 2008 until retirement, and she was not only capable but also a very nice person to spend time with at meetings and before and after. I am sure that you and your colleagues who worked closely with her are very shocked, and it must be terrible for her family, of whom she always spoke fondly to me. My sympathies are with them….

During my time as Acting Associate Dean and Acting Director of the Humanities Research Centre, Janet was a crucial part of the team, listening carefully, advising sensibly and imaginatively on so many issues. There are many colleagues – including myself!-  who owe Janet a great debt in helping them achieve their career aspiration, or find just the right work-life balance for them and their families. So many staff, across the employee and management ranks, were able to resolve seemingly-intractable issues thanks to her patient and diligent work on their behalf.  My condolences to Janet’s family and colleagues. We will miss her greatly. …

So sorry to hear this news.  Janet was always supportive and full of advice. We will miss her….

I wanted to express my sadness and share some thoughts about Janet. I have not known Janet as long as many have at the university, but throughout my time at York it was clear that she was such an important part of the HR team. Her knowledge was immense – how many times did we all say “let’s ask Janet, she’ll know”. Her fairness and integrity were at the core of who she was. She was always the voice of reason when we would be thinking “what’s the right thing to do”. She had the university, its staff and students’ best interests at heart in everything she did. And she aways found time to support colleagues across the university with a level of professionalism and empathy second to none. My thoughts go out to Janet and her family….

During my four years as a head of department I relied heavily on Janet’s wisdom, kindness and patience. Our meetings would typically start with Janet snapping open her ipad and asking if I had read the HR department electronic newsletter. I would reply “no”, we would both laugh, and things would proceed from there. I admired her total professionalism and liked her for her openness, good humour and kindness. I have the fondest memories of Janet. To her family and friends I can only say that I am truly sorry for your loss. …