Janet Sturdy
March 12, 1951 - September 8, 2015

"When the enemy death strikes your grief can be great. It's never the right time to say goodbye to a loved one. Death too to many seems to be a part of life. It's during times such as these that we can find comfort in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9, 10 ~ "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth". Only God's (Psalms 83:18) Kingdom can bring peace, happiness, perfect health, and everlasting life. "

"To the Sturdy and Ayres families: My deepest sympathy on Janet's passing. It is hard to follow Philip, who has expressed so well the sense of loss we feel. With Jade and her family in Austin, I was truly looking forward to getting to spend more time with Janet. My brother Kevin died on September 8 so, each year on that date, I will also light a candle in Janet's memory. Below are the words of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. I believe they exemplify the Janet I knew and a life well lived. Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people, but grovel to none. When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. Touch not the poisonous firewater that makes wise ones turn to fools and robs their spirit of its vision. When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home. "

"Death at 64 isn't always tragic. Those of us who view 60-something as a slow slide toward the grave are pessimists, fatalists, or depressives (sometimes all three). Our Janet, at 64, was none of these. Illness cut her off in her prime, just when she was looking forward to new adventures in life. I say "our Janet" because she belonged to all of us--friends, colleagues, and family--and we to her. I always referred to her as "Ms. Ayres" rather than "Mrs. Sturdy" because the idea that this vibrant, engaging, warm personality could be someone's mere marital appendage didn't sit quite right (no offense to her special soulmate, Allan). She brightened our spirits in dark moments; she brought us joy; she enlightened us; most of all, she inspired us to think clearly and to act humanely. The cancer that caused her great suffering and that took her from us prematurely won't be so destructive in decades ahead if we pressure our nation's leaders to boost rather than slash resources at M.D. Anderson, Dana Farber, and Sloan Kettering, and if we encourage them not to be held hostage by religious & political interests intent on obstructing scientists' work with stem cells and similar techniques. Recent reports on "liquid biopsies," which may identify and possibly root out disease before it takes hold, also hold great promise. I'm convinced that Janet would support such efforts, not because cancer ended her own life but because she was a caring, progressive humanist in every sense of that term. To say we miss you, Ms. Ayres, is to grossly understate what we all feel in this time of grief & loss."

"I just saw her a couple of times, but she seems to be the perfect Mimi for Nate and Theo, her beloved grandchildren. We will remember her with the same tenderness she talked to us."

"I met Janet for the first time at a school event for my son and her granddaughter. At that time I had already heard stories from Kaya about the spirit of her mother. I connected with Janet instantly. She exumed strength and light. She lived each day, hour, minute, second with passion and purpose. She has inspired me to continue to leave each day to the fullest and to fight....fight....fight! I lost my mother years ago and no words make it easier. I envision her having a cocktail on the beach with my mother looking down on us all and keeping us safe!!!"

"I did not have the opportunity to meet Janet but I had the pleasure of getting to know Lauren who has told me how amazing she was. My thoughts and prayers are with Lauren and all the family. "

"We remember Janet as a strong, enthusiastic and very organized person for whom her family was everything. She was full of knowledge and shared it generously. She made everyone feel like family. "

"On behalf of the deCarteret College Past Student's Association, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the Sturdy family. May Janet's soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her. "

"Our condolences to the Sturdy family. Thoughts are with you. From Liz and Andy Gershoff."

"Deepest sympathy to Allan and his family from the entire Polack family in Belize, Grand Cayman and Miami"

"Throughout all of the years I worked with Janet she was always the warmest and most caring member of the BC family.Her radiant smile and quick wit made her a delight to work with whether serving on a Search Committee or assisting with library research.My most sincere condolences to the Sturdy family during this time of mourning."

"My sincere condolences to the Sturdy Family: May it comfort you to know that others you may not know are touched by your loss. I had the good fortune of working with Janet during my time at Broward. Such a kind, caring colleague! While your hearts may be saddened now, take comfort in knowing that Our Creator cares about you personally and can help you through this difficult time."

"My sincerest condolences to Janet's family and friends. She and I were colleagues at Broward College, and she was always so nice and interesting to talk to. I hope she is at peace now."

"My condolences, Janet will truly be missed but never forgotten."

"Janet was a special person, whose courage is an inspiration to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love from Donnie, Diana and Family"

"Our condolences to her family, she will truly be missed! "

"When I was little and would spend time with her youngest daughter, Lexi, she would make us these snacks "eggs in a basket" and little toast strips on side.. Just one of the great memories I have of growing up in elementary and middle school with Lexi and spending time with her family.. Sending lots of love to you in this sad and tough time. -Abby"

"Janet was such an awesome co-worker...it was a pleasure knowing her. My condolences to her family, she will remain in our hearts!"

"My condolences to the family during this difficult time, may you find comfort and peace in the promise made at John 5: 28,29 and Revelation 21:3,4 that there will be a ressurection. www.jw.org"

"Janet you will always be everyone's role model, beyond compare -- Allan and girls, we share your heartbreak. xxxooo"

"My sincerest sympathy to Janet's family. I know she fought hard and I am so sorry for your loss. A wonderful colleague...."

"You always will be my shining star. Be at peace my friend. "

"Please accept my deepest sympathies. May you draw comfort from the hope of being reunited with your precious loved one found at Acts 24:15 which says, "There is going to be a resurrection." Until this future promise is fulfilled may reflecting on it provide you with a measure of comfort and peace during this very difficult time. "

"Janet was a wonderful colleague who's humor and lilting British accent will be missed. My prayers go out to her family and close friends. "

"Can't think of a better listener or more thoughtful person. Janet - you will be so missed. Love you all. "

"Janet could light up not just a room, but an entire arena with her smile! Rest peacefully, my very special friend. We will miss you terribly."

"Janet had such positive attitude and an eternally optimistic view of the world. She was also incredibly funny. We will miss her."