Obituary of Janine Arthur
Janine Marie Arthur (nee Szala): April 2, 1945 - June 3, 2024
In her 80th year, Janine Marie Arthur (nee Szala) passed away at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto,
on June 3, 2024. Beloved wife of Bob, sister of Linda (Tom Goldspink), and daughter of deceased parents
Louise and Feliks Szala, Janine lived a full, active life that touched many people.
With her keen mind, generous heart, and constant curiosity, Janine was an adventurer who saw life as
Helen Keller did: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Born in St. Catharines, Janine’s own
education sparked her later pursuit of the teaching profession. She attended Prince of Wales P.S., then St.
Catharines Collegiate from which she graduated as an Ontario Scholar. A year at McMaster was followed
by Brock University from which she graduated with a B.A. in history and where she became the first
Brock graduate to receive the Governor-General’s medal. Her teaching career, begun in St. Catharines at
Denis Morris Catholic H.S., continued in Toronto at St. Joseph’s College School, at Michael Power-St.
Joseph, and finally at Francis Libermann Catholic H.S.
When adventure called them to California (1985-1999), Janine and Bob answered. They lived in the
ocean-side towns of Redondo Beach and Ventura Keys where Janine indulged visiting family and friends
in the California lifestyle. After a year at Santa Monica Catholic H.S., she partnered with Bob to become
VP of Arthur Group Real Estate Development, Inc. In another venture, she used her writing talents and
creativity in her role as Sales Manager at Palos Verdes Peninsula News. The world of work did not blunt
her sporting life that included constant walking, sailing the Southern California coast, bareboat sailing in
the British Virgin Islands, skiing, marathon running, and flying with Bob when he obtained his pilot’s
license.
Upon returning to Toronto in 1999, Janine rekindled her teaching career at Francis Libermann Catholic
H.S. from which she retired in 2021. A dedicated teacher, she was devoted to challenging her students to
be their best. A vibrant member of the community, Janine coached cross country and created a debating
team. She loved it so much that she continued to adjudicate student debates even after she retired. As an
active member of the History Department, she was a driving force behind History Fair and played a
significant role in organizing the Medieval Fair; the strawberry tarts she made for the event were
legendary. Janine was an “all in” person who was available before and after school and even on weekends
to help with whatever team/club/event needed her. Her tireless energy, unconditional support of her
students, and abiding friendships with staff are hallmarks of a woman whose light shone brightly in
everything she did.
Janine’s desire to give back and help others continued after retirement. It was deeply satisfying for her to
be involved in the St. Basil’s Catholic Parish community. She was a wonderful reader who thoroughly
enjoyed her lector role. She loved assisting with weddings by greeting and seating guests and taking
photographs. Her generous heart found expression in visiting people in need at their homes and providing
food, clothing, and grocery vouchers on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Through her work
with Out of the Cold, she provided meals for those in want several times a week and on special days such
as Christmas. Her hard work, kindness, and good humour were appreciated by a great number of friends
and colleagues. Now, her earthly adventures have ended. Having fought a valiant battle, now she is at rest.
She is with the angels.
In appreciation, Janine’s family would like to thank her surgeon, Dr. Tirone David, and all of the medical
staff who cared for her at the Monk CVICU: Joan, Angela, Talashia, Shannen, Iris, Dr. Marcus Salvatori,
Dr. Kathleen Dattilo, and Dr. Jane Heggie.
Cremation has taken place. The burial will be private.
In Toronto, Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, 50 St. Joseph Street, followed by a reception in the church hall.
In St. Catharines, a Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 3, at 11 a.m. at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street.
