Janet McNichol

Janet Irene McNichol “Jan” (nee Hulley)
November 17, 1946 – August 9, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Irene McNichol, who left us peacefully at home on August 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Janet was a dedicated and inspiring educator for the visually impaired with the Waterloo District School Board, and a fierce advocate for her students. She taught for many years at the Brantford School for the Blind and went on to launch the Integrated Classroom for the Blind and Visually Impaired Students into the Waterloo Regional School Board.

Later in life she became an entrepreneur and started her own business – Rhiannon’s Jewels. She also actively pursued craft hobbies of all kinds like knitting, sewing, weaving, quilting and scrapbooking. She was also a tireless champion for healthcare improvements, drawing from her own journey with significant health challenges and a compromised immune system to push for meaningful change. She was a board member of Citizen’s for Choice in Healthcare and a member of the Waterloo Weavers Guild.

A unofficial counselor to many, Janet’s door was always open. She offered a listening ear and an easy shoulder to lean on, followed usually by well placed advice. Her warmth, wisdom, and strength left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

She was the beloved wife to Donald McNichol for 58 years and the amazing mother to Kevin (Joanna), Joy (Micheal), and Brian (Kelly). She was also the cherished grandmother of Emily, Teddy, Laia, Landon, Bobbie, Jackson, and Brooke- each of whom brought her endless joy and pride. Dearest sister of Jeannie Papple (Donald), Doreen Young, and Bruce Hulley (Shirley). Predeceased by her infant daughter Laura Katharine and her parents Melvin and Lillian Violet Hulley.

Janet fought her battles with unwavering courage, earning the title of “warrior” from those who knew her best. Though her fight was long and hard, the warrior is now at rest.

Janet will be remembered for her compassion, resilience, wry sense of humour, and her love of family cottage weeks where intense, good-natured game nights could stretch late into the night and spark debates as fierce as they were fun. Her laughter, quick wit, and competitive spirit will be dearly missed.

Tough as nails and unshakably determined, she met every obstacle with courage, outlasting challenges that should have ended her journey long ago. She taught us to stand for what is right, even when the path is steep, and to hold the McNichol clan close as life’s true anchor – a steady, loving force that will carry us through every storm.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8 pm at The Waterloo Knights of Columbus (Columbus Conference Centre) 145 Dearborn Place, Waterloo. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and honour the remarkable woman who touched so many lives.