Janet Elizabeth McElhaney Obituary

October 27, 2021

Nora Cutcliffe wrote a sympathy message

“I am so saddened by Dr McElhaney's passing, and offer my sincere condolences to her family. Such an enormous loss to the medical community! I was so impressed by her fantastic knowledge of infectious disease, yet her approachable nature & humble demeanor. When I first met her, she was carrying her tennis racquet & luggage out of the hotel, after the Canadian Immunization Conference in Vancouver, 2012. We rode the public transit together, and I fondly recall how friendly she was! Nora Cutcliffe”

October 26, 2021

Eemaan K wrote a sympathy message

“In the Sikh tradition, death is not a time for mourning, but for remembering & celebrating our loved ones. I first met Janet during a vaccine Q&A session in Jan 2021. In the coming months that I had the privilege of working alongside her, albeit learning from her, she never ceased to amaze me with her knowledge, compassion & grace. Janet was a world-class geriatrician, an absolute powerhouse & a role model for us female scientists. Janet, I just want to say: Thank you! I can never forget you!”

October 26, 2021

Noni MacDonald wrote a sympathy message

“I had the pleasure of working with Janet on several projects about vaccines, vaccien acceptance and LTC residents, staff and families. Janet was an outstanding advocate for the overlooked and marginalized- passionate about making a difference and she did on so many occassions- influencing policy and programs as well as care at the beside. She will be much missed for her insights and pragmatic solutions to thorny problems. She was a joy to work with. Noni MacDonald”

October 25, 2021

Connie Pardo wrote a sympathy message

“Connie (nee Vis) and Bryan Pardo send condolences to Marion and the entire Vlasschaert family. I am Connie, Janet’s elementary and high school buddy from small town Blenheim Ontario. We hung out in each other’s busy households, growing into adolescence. Bryan knew Janet through numerous high school sports. Janet was fun-loving, competitive, and always dedicated to all her pursuits. We recently reconnected with Janet. What joy it was to reminisce about our youthful misadventures! RIP Janet.”

October 23, 2021

Tara Moriarty wrote a sympathy message

“To Janet's loved ones, colleagues and patients. I met Janet when she started providing nightly COVID-19 vaccine Q&A support to LTC residents, staff and loved ones. I knew Janet was being treated, and the Q&A sessions were exhausting, but she always waved off concerns for her because she needed to be there for "my people", as she said--the older people for whom she advocated. Janet gave me hope in people, and kindness. Her loss is enormous for so many. I am heartbroken. Tara Moriarty”