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COWARD: Janet Elizabeth (Skinner) of Elimville
Posted By Haskett Funeral Home On April 13, 2026 @ 12:24 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 88 Comments

Passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 78. Beloved wife of Dan Coward for almost 60 years. Cherished mother of Tracey Coward, Mark Coward and Diane McIntyre, and Erin and Ryan Wells. Adored grandma/Beema of Jayden; Alix, Nate, Will; Finn, and Bryce. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Mary Shore, Grant Skinner, Sandra and Dennis Rowe Elaine Skinner, Gladys Skinner, Marg Fuller, Marg Brintnell, Ron and Jo Coward, Doug Coward, and Judy and Doug McBride. Fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, their families and by many neighbours in the Hern Line area. Special thanks to Joan for keeping her beautiful over the years. Predeceased by her parents Franklin (1975) and Ina (1992) Skinner, parents-in-law Bill (2008) and Isabelle (2012) Coward and siblings and in-laws, Bev Skinner, Dalton Skinner, Jerry Shore, Bev Brintnell, and Cheryl Coward.
Janet will be remembered as a devoted and loving Grandma and Beema who’s greatest joy was cheering on her grandchildren from the sidelines—travelling near and far to support them in hockey, baseball, broomball, lacrosse, football, soccer, or gymnastics events. Nothing ever stood in her way when it came to helping her family; she was always arriving at her children’s homes ready to lend a hand—often taking over entirely—with paint jobs, baking muffins, birthday cakes, and cherry tarts. If something needed sewing, scrubbing, washing, fluffing, folding, or organizing, mom was only a phone call away, with dad faithfully by her side as her reliable chauffeur and good-natured assistant. She was also a wonderfully generous babysitter who was known to bend the rules just a little, happily spoiling her grandchildren with candy, laughter, and her full attention. Over the years, Janet shared her talents through several ventures including “Little People,” “Sandra and Janet’s Painting and Papering,” and her work at Seip’s ValuMart and the Villa Nursing Home. Janet was a faithful member of her church communities and the UCW, a friendly and familiar presence to many neighbours along Hern Line, and she even found time to enjoy a good game of pickle ball. She will be deeply missed for her generosity, energy, and the steady, loving support she gave so freely to everyone around her.
The family would like to extend appreciation to her, the nurses, PSW’s and kitchen staff of the Seaforth Manor and the lovely nurses and doctors who were very patient with us in our time at the Stratford General Hospital.
Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at Exeter Cemetery at a later date.
Donations to Alzheimer Society – Huron Perth or Thames Road Elimville United Church would be appreciated by the family.
Sending my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to you all. My heart is aching on the loss of such a beautiful soul. May you rest in peace sweet Janet.
Love Jill, Jer, and Will
To the Coward, Skinner Families,
My deepest condolences for your loss of a great lady. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I will always have great memories of working with her at the Villa. We had some great times.
Even though it’s sad, it’s a blessing knowing that Janet is not suffering anymore and is at peace.
Treasure the memories and hold them tight.
What a lovely tribute to one of the best. Janet was like a second mother to me since meeting Erin in Grade 9 and she will be deeply missed by all of us. My sincere condolences to Dan and the entire Coward family. Love Kristi, Jason, Miles and Mo xoxo
Danny & Family
Sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all.
She will be truly missed & you will be so thankful for all the fun & wonderful memories all you will cherish as you deal with your grief.
Dan, Tracy, Mark and Erin.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Such a fine woman and a loss to the entire community.
Tracey: My sincere condolence on the passing of your Mother. It is hard to lose a parent. I am sure you have many happy memories.
I remember Janet fondly working with her at Seips Value Mart. Had alot of good laughs there when the two of us worked together.
Erich and myself offer our deepest condolences to all of Janet’s family her siblings and neices and nephews. She will be missed by so many.
Dear Dan & Family , very sorry to hear of passing of Janet she really was a very friendly lady and supported her community, you will all miss her, Alzheimer’s is a disease that robs the person, thinking of you all at this time, our deepest condolences
So very sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. I had the pleasure of working alongside her at the Villa. Her smile & compassion shone through no matter what situation she faced. RIP Janet
So sorry for your loss. Praying that all your precious memories will help in the days ahead.
Sending our sympathy to Janet’s family. Sad to read of her passing
To all of Janet’s family both Coward and Skinner my thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. All your memories will keep her tucked in your hearts forever.
So sad to hear of Janet’s passing please except our deepest sympathies
My thoughts are with you at this time
Condolences from our house to yours
Danny, Tracey, Mark, Erin, Ryan & families
Our thoughts & heart are with all of you. Janet was a good friend for a long time, her eager work ethic, honesty & humbleness was her way.. she was a very giving person & will be missed by many..esp her family
Deepest sympathy to all the Coward & Skinner families on your loss of a sister. Janet truly was a special person who gave all and asked for little ..
Heartfelt condolences to Janet’s family, and the Skinner family. She was a friendly, kind lady. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan, Coward and Skinner and Families. So sorry for your loss Janet always had had a great work ethic and always had something to say! May the many fond memories you hold dear give you comfort at this sad time
Dannie Tracey, Mike, family and friends. So sorry to learn of Janet’s Passing. She was a remarkable young lady always with a smile and working at something. She will be greatly missed by the community for just being there. ❤️
Erin, my heart feels heavy for you right now. Losing your mom creates a kind of absence that’s hard to name or make sense of. I’m holding a lot of care and compassion for you as you move through this. The depth of this grief speaks to how deeply you loved each other.
Many fond memories with Janet during her active years at Elimville church and then the Thames Road Elimville UCW.
A hard working woman for sure, always with a smile.
Condolences to Dan and family. We have fond memories of both Dan and Janet through the years at spots games and gatherings. I remember the sunny day Dan and Janet got married. I have great memories of Janet in high school as we didn’t always pay attention to the teacher.
She was a great friend that you could always rely on.
To Dan, family and friends
So sorry to learn of Janet’s passing. Our condolences to all.
Hoping that your memories of her will bring you comfort during this difficult time and in the future.
To the Coward/Skinner family:
Janet was always friendly to me when I saw her at the Villa working. She was a devoted house keeper.
Our thoughts are with you at this time and our deepest condolences.
Dear Dan and Family, my deepest sympathy and prayers on the passing of your wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. I have very fond memories of Janet from my time at Thames Road— Elimville. Always cheerful, fun, hardworking, ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, she served her church with dedication and love, while cherishing her times with her family, whom she loved so much. She will be dearly missed. Both Richard and I send our heartfelt prayers and condolences.
Our condolences to all The Coward & Skinner Family, we are sorry for your loss.
We have many fond memories of Janet as our neighbour growing up & a friend to our family. Always a smile & a nice visit, caring how others were doing.
Lots of fun memories for you to share.
Sincerely
Dan and family, and Janet’s relatives,
I am sorry to Janet’s passing.
She was always friendly and talkative.
Cherish her memories and she will not be forgotten.
Condolence to you all.
My sympathy to all of Janet’s family! Her battle here on earth is over and I’m sure she’s at peace now!
Remember all the happy times!
My deepest sympathy to the Skinner and Coward families. Thinking of everyone during this difficult time.
Dan, Tracey, Mark, Erin and families, and Janet’s extended family
Janet will be deeply missed by everyone who had the good fortune to have known her.
Her quick wit and easy smile will be remembered always. She was a kind and caring person willing to help whenever needed. Cherish the many memories in your heart
Sending Hugs
Mark & family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother/grandmother. Her obituary highlights what a remarkable mother/grandmother that you were all blessed with. I often saw them at the arena cheering on their grandchildren. She always had a smile and it was evident how proud she was of all of you. We are thinking of you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Janet was a wonderful caring person.
Thinking of all at this sad time.
Tracey, Danny, Mark and Erin. Know that we are sending all of our love to you and your families. Janet was like a second Mom to me growing up. What a kind soul! She will be missed by many. My heart is breaking for you. My Mom is definitely going to miss her. Hugs. Love Kim and Earl.
So very sad to hear. Condolences to the whole family. I remember many good times back on the farm.
RIP Janet
Very sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. Always enjoyed our chats whenever we met. Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Ann Maxwell
To the Coward and Skinner families,
I send my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time
Laura Dixon
Dan and family. Sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. Great gal You will miss her. Condolences to all!!!
Dan and family, Sorry for your loss. She was such a kind soul.Thinking of all of you. Hugs, Marg Miller
Condolences to the Coward Families.
So sorry to hear this news of Janet. She and Sandra did up an apartment building for me in the nineties and they were so very helpful in every way. She was fun to work with. Keep the memories close to your heart.
Joan Whyte
To all the Coward and Skinner families….
I am sorry to read of Janet’s death. My condolences to all family members. I always enjoyed
having a conversation with Janet. Treasure your wonderful memories.
My sincere condolences to the Skinner and Coward families. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Cherish all the wonderful memories. Hugs Joan
To Dan and the Coward and Skinner families,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you in the passing of Janet. She was always so cheerful, pleasant and kind to talk to. We know she will be deeply missed. May you be comforted by all your wonderful memories.
Our sympathy to Dan and family on Janet’s passing. Thinking of you all.
Uncle Danny, Tracy, Mark and Erin and families
Our sincere condolences to all of you. We have many wonderful memories of Skinner Family gathering where Aunt Janet was always so kind and a pleasure to be with.
May the many memories of such a beautiful soul keep her forever in your hearts and in ours.
Uncle Danny, Tracey, Mark, Erin and families,
Aunt Janet was always so kind and thoughtful and quick to laugh. I remember how excited I was to have summer sleepovers at the farm and how special she made those visits.
My deepest condolences to all.
Much love.
So sorry to hear of Janet’s passing .
Thinking of everyone at this difficult time.
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Dan, Tracey, Mark, Erin and families; Skinner and Coward families:
We have many fond memories of Janet from over the years, dating back to our early years at Winchelsea School, then church work, UCW, and other community activities. She was a beautiful person inside and out, never one to shy away from work and always with a smile on her face. Janet loved nothing better than to talk about her grandchildren and the activities they were involved in. We extend our sincere sympathy to all of Janet’s family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days, weeks and months ahead.
To Dan & Family, Coward & Skinner families. So sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. May you keep your fond memories close to your hearts, hope it gives you peace and strength in the days ahead.
Uncle Dan, Coward and Skinner Families
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Janet.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Deepest sympathy
Bill, Karen, Zach (Julia) and Caitlin (Peter) Brintnell
Tracey and the Coward and Skinner families.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest condolences.
Norma Khan
Erin, Mark & Family,
So Sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. Condolences to the whole family.
Dan, Tracey, Mark and Erin.
Sending special thoughts to you all on the loss of Janet .
Many memories of working with Janet and a lot of fun times with you both.
Her voyage has been difficult for her, and all of you – family was so important to her.
Please take the time now to look after yourselves
Janet – you have earned your rest and peace.
To Janet’s family.
Janet was my cherished friend as we grew up together sharing many childhood and beyond memories that I will forever keep close to my heart. She was indeed a lady who wore many hats and will be deeply missed. Janet and Dan were a major and treasured part of our “Five Families” connection which continued well into our adult years. Janet’s obituary is beautifully written as if in an Eulogy!
We send our Sincere Condolences!
Love,
Marilyn and Gary Eagleson
Uncle Danny, Tracey, Mark, Erin and Families,
Our sincere condolences to you at this very sad time. Aunt Janet was such a gentle caring person. She always had a genuine interest in what was happening in your life. May the happy memories give you comfort in the days ahead ❤️
Dear Dan, Tracy, Mark, Erin & Families.
We were truly saddened to hear of Janet’s passing. There are no words to ease the pain of losing such a lovely Wife, Mom & Beema, her most prized position in life.
May you find strength & love together through this difficult journey.
Love, Cam & Randi
Our sincere condolences. Rest in peace now Janet.
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. I enjoyed chatting with Janet at baseball and hockey watching the grand kids.
To Dan, Tracey, Mark and Erin, the Skinner and Coward families, we send our sympathy to all. Janet was a wonderful person and a friend to all that knew her. May she rest in peace!
My deepest condolences to all of Janet’s family ..treasure her memories and hold them tight
Sorry to hear about Janet’s passing. Condolences to the family. She was such a wonderful person.
Dan Tracy Mark and Erin and all the Coward and Skinner families…
My Sincere Sympathy to you all in
your loss of Janet…
She is at Peace now and you will have fond memories of happy times.
Thinking of you in your sorrow..,…
Dan and family, I have great memories of Janet as a kind neighbour and dear friend of Frances. My condolences to you all.
Dan, Tracey, Mark and Erin,
Our condolences on the loss of the sweetest woman. She was a dear friend of my mother’s since childhood, so Janet was always part of my life. I loved attending the Father’s Day gatherings of the 5 friends while growing up and enjoyed many talks with Janet through the years. She was always interested in how everyone was doing and loved talking about her grandchildren. Janet will be deeply missed.
To all of Janet’s family and close friends:
Thoughts and sincere condolences are with you all! Fond memories go back to childhood days growing up together in the Winchelsea and Elimville communities!
Dan & family,
Sending our sincere sympathy in your loss of Janet.
The obituary describes her exactly & is such a nice tribute to her life.
She was a great co- worker at Valu Mart & at church functions.
We hope your memories are a comfort to all of you now.
Dan and family, Skinner and Coward families,
Sending our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of Janet. She was always such a kind and caring person wherever you saw her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our condolences to the Coward and Skinner families.
My fun memories of Janet go way back to the 3 Harding sisters (Ina Skinner, Leda Ford, and Alma Rundle) and the family reunions in the park.
Thinking of the entire family. Will always remember Janet’s lovely smile and laugh. Seeing this photo of her is a reminder of the Harding Sisters. Alma, Leda and Janet’s mom Ina, who connect us as cousins. Sending hugs.
To the Coward and Skinner families
So sorry to hear about Janet. She will be missed by many who knew her. She was a loving hard working woman with a great smile. She is at peace now. Remember all the fond memories you had with her..
To Janet‘s family
my condolences on the loss of such a Treasured member of your family.
My deepest condolences. I have So much love for your family. So many beautiful memories of Janet.
Our sympathy to the Coward and Skinner families. Memories of Janet are of her ventures in business with Sandra and her dedication to the residents at the Villa. She enjoyed hearing their life stories. It was always a pleasure working with her at UCW and church functions. Her face would light up when sharing what her family and grandchildren were up to. A beautiful person inside and out.
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to all. A lovely wonderful caring woman with a beautiful smile.
Mary Lou and Ron Bilcke & Family
Sandra, Dennis, Tracey, Mark & Coward & Skinner Families
So Sorry for your Loss,! Sending you All our Condolences
Dan and family. My condolences to you at this sad time. May Janet Rest In Peace!
Dan, Tracey, Mark, Erin and families,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Janet.
Jeff, Brad, Darlene, Kennedy, Matthew Borland
Sending our heartfelt sympathy for your Family’s loss.
Scott & Dar
To all of Janet’s family – our deepest sympathy for your loss of Janet. We had the pleasure of meeting Janet when she and Sandra did some wallpapering in our home many years ago. Your memories, of which we are sure are many, will keep her close to your heart always.
Dan and family
So very sorry for your loss. Remembering all the good times.
Hugs
Danny, Tracey, Mark and Erin and families,
I have fond memories of Janet going back to our childhood years growing up with the Skinner family. Like you, I will cherish these memories and happy times.
Our sincere condolences to all of you.
Shirley and Don Wright
Danny, Tracey, Mark, Erin, Sandra, Elaine and all Janet’s family.
What a wonderful obituary to share a little of Janet’s life and fun character!
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Uncle Danny, Tracey, Mark. Erin and family
My heart goes out to all of you on the loss of Aunt Janet. She meant so much to me as my aunt, and I will always cherish the memories I have of her. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead and much love.
Dear Dan, Tracey, Mark, Erin and families. Its with great sadness to hear of Janet’s passing. Always a smile, with laughter and fun. She will be forever remembered with all the cousins. Thinking of you all.
Danny and family – So sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. She was a great girl, and spent a lot of time building memories with us on the farm. Thinking of you.
To the families of Janet,
I was saddened to hear that Janet passed away. She was a lovely lady. I enjoyed our conversations and times together. She will be remembered.
Sandra, Dennis, Skinner and Coward families
I have such fond memories of Janet on the farm and beyond. Sandra and I listened to Janet’s 45s on the record player. Janet being the older sister had all of these cool things. We looked up to her.
Thinking of you as you mourn the loss of a great person.
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Dan and Family,
My deepest condolences for your tremendous loss. Janet was a beautiful soul, taken too soon. Treasure the great memories when she was strong. She will be missed by many…
Darlene Stewart and Girls