It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janet Catherine (Dunsworth) Stryniak, age 71, on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026. Janet died peacefully surrounded by family.
Janet was born in Halifax on September 2nd, 1955 to Frances (Hewey) and Dr. Frank Dunsworth. She was one of ten children. Frances fostered a love of music in her children, which later propelled Janet to pursue a career in music. After graduating from St. Patrick’s High School, she went on to study violin performance at Dalhousie University, receiving a joint Bachelor of Music & Music Education degree in 1977. Following her graduation, Janet moved to Toronto in 1981, where she completed the Orchestral Training Program and met her husband-to-be, Peter. While in Ontario, Janet played violin in various ensembles, including the Stratford Music Festival, Hamilton Philharmonic, Orchestra London, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.
After settling in Halifax in 1985, Janet began playing violin with Symphony Nova Scotia. The following year, Janet and Peter married and started a family. Janet was impressive in her work ethic. She was constantly on the go from one commitment to the next. Janet was a violinist with Symphony Nova Scotia for 33 years and a violin teacher in local public schools for over 20 years. She also ran a successful business selling children’s books for over 20 years, with which she earned numerous vacations to the Caribbean, Europe, and Hawaii. In her spare time (ha!), Janet also provided tax preparation services throughout the years to family, colleagues, and friends.
Upon her retirement in 2019, Janet fulfilled her dream of moving to Southwest Cove, close to family and the ocean. She cherished being a grandmother, and loved reading to Summer and Casey. She enjoyed many memorable trips down south with Peter. Janet was deeply devoted to her family, and of all she accomplished in her life, nothing made her prouder than her family. She was the glue that held everyone together and would sacrifice anything for those she loved. She made holidays special, celebrated every milestone, and was always there when you needed her. She instilled her love of music in her children and supported them wholeheartedly in pursuing their own interests and aspirations.
Janet will be fondly remembered as a bright light to those who knew her. Alongside her beaming smile and brilliant blonde hair, Janet radiated joy, optimism, and warmth towards family and strangers alike. She was immensely kind and generous, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. She loved people and loved to chat; quick phone calls turned into deep conversations, and public outings almost always involved sparking up conversations with new and familiar faces. She touched many lives through the various hats that she wore; musician, teacher, business woman. Janet was a fiercely loyal daughter, sibling, mother, spouse, and friend. She treasured her leisure time and family time; she loved gardening, swimming, walks, early morning boot camp, reading, visits to the cove, playing scrabble, bridge, “pounce”, and backgammon.
Janet was predeceased by her parents, sister Elizabeth, brothers Philip and John, brother-in-law John Baxter, nephew Luke, and baby Steven.
She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Peter; children Nick (Jessika) and Sophie; grand children Summer and Casey; twin sister Jacqueline; siblings Joanne, Edward (Barbara), Robert, William, and Jeff (Laura), as well as many loved nieces and nephews.
A heartfelt thank you from the family to South Shore Continuing Care, particularly Melanie and Dr. Caldeira, as well as the staff of Hospice Halifax.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at Ocean Swells Community Centre, from 2-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pathway to Progress Nicaragua, Symphony Nova Scotia, or Hospice Halifax.
