In loving memory of
Janet Lorraine Balsom
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and family member, Janet Lorraine (Wells) Balsom, aged 47 of Lower Sackville, who died on May 22, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Michael, children Angus and Mackinlay, parents Rob and Gwen Wells, and brother Hal (Amanda McGill).
Janet was born August 10, 1978, in Amherst, Nova Scotia to Robert and Gwendolyn (Durno) Wells.
She was a unique, kind, and determined soul who always faced life her way. She dreamt of being a teacher despite the poor job opportunities in Halifax, and when she got her degrees from University of Kings College and Acadia University and there were no opportunities in Nova Scotia, she brought her joy and love to a small Inuit village in Northern Quebec.
She married Michael Balsom on September 1, 2012, and later when she was delivering two ten pound-plus Baby Balsom boys, she said no thank you to the offers of epidurals, not wanting to miss any of the experience.
While earning her M.Ed. in Curriculum Development from Mount Saint Vincent, she began working in Instructional Design. When she tired of working in the military-industrial complex, she quit her job and returned to earn her M.Ed. in Counselling at Acadia University to become a school counsellor, following her calling to help people, children in particular.
And when she was diagnosed with the horrible cancer that would eventually take her, only a year and a half after working in schools as a counsellor, rather than sit around feeling sorry for herself, she wrote a novel and started a YouTube channel to document her cancer journey so that others could learn and stay connected. And finally, during her last days, she refused to take any pain meds stronger than Advil, because she didn’t want to miss one second of life.
Janet felt closest to spirit in nature, so it comes as no surprise that the places she cherished in life were at Camp Wegesegum in Chipman, N.B. where she attended, worked and volunteered for several years, making life-long connections and enriching so many young people’s lives, at her cottage on the Amherst Shore where she enjoyed spending time with her family, and in the forests around First and Second Lake near her home where you could find her giving the trees a good hug. Janet also loved mornings, chocolate and writing.
Not one for small talk, Janet frequently brought conversations to a real place. She held space for the stories and feelings of others, whether it was her children, a friend or a receptionist. Janet found something good in every person and spent her life collecting people (just like her beloved rocks!) and giving them unconditional love, and that love was returned a thousand-fold, most evident in the outpouring of love and support for Janet and her family over the past two and a half years. Her spirit lives on in her husband, in her children, in her family, and in everyone who ever had the privilege of knowing her.
A private graveside service will be held on Monday as Janet arranged for a green burial. Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 7-9pm and a celebration of life will be on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 1pm (live streaming through Facebook and YouTube), both at First Baptist Church Halifax. Please dress in your most colourful clothes – Janet has requested bright colours for her celebration of life! Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services.
In lieu of flowers, Janet has asked that any donations be made to Feed Nova Scotia or the Canadian Wildlife Federation, and she also invites you to spend a couple hours getting to know someone you dislike. As Janet said in her final YouTube video, “There is good in everyone” and “The point of life is to learn and love.” Her cancer journey can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@janetwellsbalsom.
PRINTABLE VERSION
SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Memorial Visitation
First Baptist Church
May 28, 2026 7:00 pm
1300 Oxford Street Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Celebration of Life
First Baptist Church
May 29, 2026 1:00 pm
1300 Oxford Street Halifax, Nova Scotia
Celebrant: Pastor Rusty Edwards
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Service Note
A private graveside service will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, as Janet arranged for a green burial. Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 7-9pm and a celebration of life will be on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 1pm (live streaming through Facebook and YouTube), both at First Baptist Church Halifax. Please dress in your most colourful clothes – Janet has requested bright colours for her celebration of life!PHOTOS
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I worked with Janet at CAE back in 2012 for several years and I always admired her curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning. It was a shock to hear that she has passed. When I think of Janet, I remember her getting married and looking forward to starting a family. I also remember her dressed in white one year for Hallowe’en as an elf from Lord of the Rings — with her height and long wavy hair, she suited the part to perfection. Janet was a special person. She was an excellent educator and we knew she was going to be an amazing Mom. My sincere condolences to her family.
Michael and children, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve known Janet since we were children taken to Wegesegum by our parents.
We returned to Wegi as adults because we loved it so much.
Gwen and Rob, you raised a remarkable daughter, my condolences on your loss.
The Wells and Balsom families will continue to be in my daily prayers for quite some time to come.
I worked with Janet at CAE from 2012 until she left. She was always the first person to come chat at my desk in the morning and she had a genuine interest in the lives and wellbeing of all her coworkers. I have followed her journey through her You Tube channel and am very sad to hear of her passing. The whole situation is heartbreaking – Janet leaves a hole in the lives of her family and friends.
To Gwen and Rob and family…Our sincere condolences in the loss of your Janet. While cancer has taken Jan from your day to day lives it will never take your memories nor the legacy she has left behind. The memories and her legacy will forever remain and will always be yours to keep. Our thoughts are with you all. Mona Regan and family.
My condolences to you. Janet was such a wonderful person and I know her spirit lives on through her loved ones esp her husband and children. Sending lots of love during this difficult time
Mike,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your wife Janet. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending prayers and blessings as you navigate this sad, difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your daughter’s passing. My heartfelt condolences and prayers. Take care.
My sympathy to all of Janet’s family& friends. She was such a wonderful loving & kind person. I knew her best at Wegesegum and I’ve known Gwen& Rob forever. My prayers are with you all
Dear Gwen, Rob and all your family, we send our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Janet. May her beautiful memory hug and comfort you all in this very difficult time. She was an amazing human being and her legacy will be remembered. Andrea & Peter Stoffer
Our deepest sympathy to Angus, MacKinlay, Michael, Gwen & Rob, Hal & Amanda, and other family members. We enjoyed our talks with Janet on the beach at Amherst Shore. We will all miss her but she will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely Doris and Steve Coates
My deep sympathies to the Balsom and Wells families as you mourn the death of dear Janet. I have watched several of Janet’s videos and have seen there how she faced her illness and death with grace and courage, while mindful of the needs of others. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gwen and Rob,
We have many happy memories of the two of you, Janet and Hal from your time in Lakeview. May you find comfort in these and other family memories. Be assured that Janet and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
To Mike and Family.
I am so sorry to hear that Janet has passed. I only knew her for a short time but during that time she certainly showed her selflessness and compassionate nature. When my husband was diagnosed with his own terminal cancer diagnosis Janet reached out many times to check in and offered words of encouragement all while dealing with her own diagnosis, chemo treatments and trying to live a normal life with her family. The world has lost a truly great person. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
We both met Janet during working for CAE, and she was always kind. When Stephanie left, Janet kept in touch online, with suggestions for getting through pregnancy and new motherhood. She was such a kind spirit, and it’s all very unfair. We are thankful to have known her and for the vulnerability she shared during her journey
So very sorry for your loss. Keith and I are thinking of your family with sincere condolences.
So sorry to hear of Janets passing. Wife, Mother, daughter, sister, and friend to many. She will be missed by all who knew her. There really are no words. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Our most sincere condolences to Michael, Gwen & Rob, Hal & Amanda, Angus and Mackinlay, and all the Balsom family members.
Janet deserves much credit and admiration for posting her cancer journey on YouTube, which will serve as an inspiration to others.
Her amazing strength throughout this heartrending journey is a testament to her faith and unselfish concern for others before self.
Such a profound loss. Love in the way she loved is so rare. I am so grateful to have known her. I may not have physically been there through most of the illness but our regular chats and conversations were so precious and I’ll never forget them. Please know you guys are in our thoughts and prayers. The way she loved all of you taught me so much about being purposefully present. What a gift that’s been. Hugs to the kiddos.
I remember Janet best as the teenager who babysat my kids; she was wonderful, a kind, caring soul whose light always shone brightly.
May her memory ever be a blessing
Love keeps a family together, may the moments you have shared live on in your memories forever. Sincere sympathy to the family
Though I didn’t know Janet personally, I am fortunate enough to be a five year colon cancer survivor at age 76. I certainly am going to watch all of her YouTube story which I know is going to bring back a lot of memories of my personal experiences.
I am very grateful to Janet for doing this and I hope others, particularly cancer patients, will subscribe and hear her story.
My deepest condolences to your family during this most difficult time.
Mike and Family of Janet,
I just want you to know I am sorry to hear of your loss. No words can comfort at this time, although the memories which now sadden you will one day make you smile. Love and remember her the way she was in all the good memories. My deepest condolences to you.
My prayers are with you. good memories forever.
oxox Marguerite
My sincere sympathy and love to all of Janet’s family and friends. A beautiful loving soul who spread much love and light ✨️ in her too short time here on earth. She lives on in all those who knew and loved her .
Andrea and I send our condolences out to Janet’s family.She dedicated her talents and love to helping those around her.May her spirit and courage be an example to us all.
Peter Stoffer
Windsor Junction N S
John and I send our sincere condolences to you , Mike , and your two boys , as well as both your and Janet’s families. Know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Michael and family: I am very sorry to hear of your beautiful wife’s passing. May her memory be a blessing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences on the loss of Janet. As an old classmate of hers, it warms my heart to know that she refused to let her illness define her, maintaining an unwavering joy for life until the end. She was truly a remarkable person. May she rest in peace.
Dear Michael and family, I sat next to Janet for a few years at CAE when I was working there as a developer, and enjoyed her wit and intelligence very much. She had a sharp mind, to say the least! She was always very kind to me, and was always ready to help me with my many questions when I was new. I’m so shocked and sorry to hear of her passing. She was far too young to lose! My thoughts are with you all.