I am, like all Janet’s colleagues, so deeply saddened and shocked by her death and have been struggling to find the right words to write. I will share a couple of memories, instead. Janet and I first bonded in the HR kitchen, over our mutual love of paper records over digital ones. I warmed to her even more when we were both in a difficult meeting, which was quite soon after I’d started working at York. There was some hostility in the room but Janet was so lovely and empathic and a very calming presence. She radiated such a quiet warmth. She leaves a huge gap. My thoughts are with you both. …

I worked with Janet over many years, both when I was HOD in the English Department and as a long-standing member of the local executive of AUT/UCU. Janet was open, engaged, wonderful to work with, especially when the context was difficult. She listened, above all, and, where she didn’t agree with something you said or wanted to do, she had a way of registering that firmly, but without ever causing offence. She was fun to work with, smiled a lot, and always began a conversation anew, without rancour or a need to make a point. She helped me enormously when I took on the role of HOD. She understood the difficulties, the conflicts of interest, and was extraordinarily generous with her time. I wish her family all my sympathy at this sudden parting. …

To Janet’s family & friends, I am so sorry for your loss. Janet was one of the first people I met when I joined the University in 2005 and she set a very high standard. She was warm, understanding and most importantly, she listened and really tried to understand the issues you were facing and to came up with practical and sensitive solutions. She put the Human into HR. As a colleague she was kind and thoughtful and beautiful in every way. She leaves a legacy of compassionate professionalism and will be very much missed….

I was shocked to hear that Janet had passed away. Such a sad loss. Janet was a kind and caring person. She will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to her family….

Janet was a warm, generous, wise person. I was a pro-vice-chancellor here until October last year. Janet and I worked together on just a few projects and I only ever knew her as a colleague. Yet her great human qualities of empathy and fun were always there alongside the professionalism and excellence of her work contributions. I can only imagine how devastating her loss must be to you, Rob and Tash. My thoughts are with you. The messages here are just a sample of the people Janet touched here….

So sorry to hear about Janet’s passing. She was a lovely person and always so helpful to me when I was Head of Department. It doesn’t make sense to me; so unfair. She will be greatly missed….

I was totally taken aback by this unexpected news, in shock initially, and in sadness throughout. Janet was a lovely colleague to work with, very supportive, considerate and highly knowledgable. Over the past two years, she has provided me personally and the Library and Archives a tremendous amount of support, often dealing with difficult and tedious cases. Her knowledge in case law and policies was second to none. I will miss her tremendously. My thoughts and prayers for Rob and Tash, it can’t be easy. Stay positive and let’s continue cherishing the wonderful person Janet was….

I am very saddened to hear Janet has passed away. We have worked together, me in my Union role throughout the past twenty years. We have many shared experiences and memories, during which time Janet has always been meticulous, calm and knowledgeable. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, colleagues….

I worked with Janet closely for over five years, from when I started as a Union rep. Her depth and breadth of knowledge was amazing, she made some of the densest bits of employment law accessible and clear. While she was always happy to go away and find information out, I don’t think I ever asked a question she didn’t know the answer to, her knowledge and kindness was inspiring. Janet was unfailingly professional, and always ready for a catch up and a giggle before a meeting started. This loss is felt so deeply by all of us who worked with her, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. …

I worked with Janet for 11 years at the University. She was one of the most professional, principled, honest and hardworking colleagues I have had the pleasure of working with. She made time for her colleagues and was so well respected for her calmness, her integrity and her deep knowledge of the HR  I had the privilidge of working closely with Janet on and off during this time and I wish and hope she knew how respected she was across the University.   Janet was a devoted Mum and Wife and my heart goes out to Rob and Tash at this time. I hope these words bring comfort to you both. Tash, your Mum was so proud of you and you brought her such joy. We will greatly miss our wise, dignified and deeply consciencious colleague. She was taken from us far too soon and leaves a big hole in the department, across the University and in our hearts. Alex Brierley        …

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Janet’s passing. She was a committed HR partner for our department, and a strong source of support and guidance for me personally during the time when I was HoD. She was a lovely person with a good sense of the balance between the institution and its people; we will miss her. My sincere condolences to her family and those she leaves behind….

Rob and Tash, Lia and I are gutted for you. When I first joined the Uni, Janet and I would meet up regularly to catch up about the girls and how things were going in the village since I left the area. She helped me to become a part of the Uni and I really valued that friendship and connection. You’re in our thoughts and we’re sending love to you during this difficult period. x lilian and Lia…

Janet was such a kind, warm person, an incredible support to me as Head of Department (and also to the History of Art Department as a whole), always extremely generous with her time, her calm approach took the heat out of every situation that had become overblown – and she knew how to lighten the mood as well with a smile and a chuckle. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with her family. Michael…

All of us in the UNISON Branch worked closely with Janet, and she will be deeply missed by us all. Her knowledge and expertise has been so appreciated by all who worked with her, along with her kindness. You are all in our thoughts at this difficult time….

I saw Janet regularly at Arts and Humanities faculty meetings and will remember how she seemed to effortlessly combine total professionalism, diplomacy, sensitivity and knowledge. She was also absolutely lovely. My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues. …