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6 years 2 months
Submitted by benoit on Mon, 02/03/2025 - 01:24:PM

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Zhiqiang Janet Ma, who peacefully left us on the morning of January 28th, 2025, at the age of 69 years old in Ottawa, Canada.  

She was the loving wife of Jing Li for 43 years, incredible mother of Karen, and caring, fun grandmother “Nai Nai 奶奶” of three grandchildren, Kairei, Jayden and Ethan. Janet was predeceased by her father Jingbo Ma, mother Yun Zhen, and sister Zhigang Ma. She is survived by her husband Jing Li, daughter Kunmin Karen Li, sisters Zhixiong Ma and Zhiyong Ma, and brother Zhiwu Ma.  She also leaves behind many beloved family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Janet was born in China. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at the Central South University of China and worked as a professor at the same University.  She moved from China to Japan at the age of 31, where she completed her PhD in Electrical Engineering and worked as an assistant professor at the University of Kanazawa. To explore more in the world, she ventured to Canada at the age of 41 and worked as an Electrical Engineer in Toronto, Ottawa, Burlington and Vancouver for over 20 years. She formed lasting friendships wherever she went—always loyal and generous to those she loved.

She loved travelling. Her adventurous spirit took her to many parts of the world. She was always keen to try new foods and learn about new technologies, languages and cultures. When the weather was nice, she could often be found outdoors cycling, hiking, skating, skiing, and gardening. She also enjoyed yoga, dancing, singing, swimming, playing volleyball, pickleball and tennis. At home, she was a master at making dumplings.  

For the last 2.5 years of her life, Janet courageously battled cholangiocarcinoma. No matter how hard things got, she never gave up hope. In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a contribution in memory of Zhiqiang Janet Ma, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/in-memory-and-in-honour-donations). If you specify for the in-memory donation to go to the liver cancer research, it will help support the Canadian Cholangiocarcinoma Collaborative (C3) in their endeavors to transform care for patients affected by cholangiocarcinoma and their families.

The family of Zhiqiang Janet Ma would like to thank the medical team who took excellent care of her during her battle with cholangiocarcinoma, as well as the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and the Canadian Cholangiocarcinoma Collaborative for their support. We would also like to thank all of our family and friends for their love and support.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) after 9:00 a.m. The visitation will be between 9:00-10:00am in the Sacred Space. The Ceremony will start at 10:00am, followed by a private reception.

 

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:47:PM

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Brian L

I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/05/2025 - 11:53:PM

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李明

怀念志强
志强,我的嫂子,前日上海机场相拥一别,如今却天堂人间,令人悲痛不以……你的人如同其名,一生自律自强,靠自己的努力,打拼出自己精彩的人生,令我敬佩,也是父母孩子的骄傲。在家你最擅长做面食,带会了我这个徒弟。我们曾在下雪天爬岳麓山,一起带孩子,一同逛街,一道旅游……四十多年的姑嫂情,令人难忘。你与病魔抗争了两年多,从未屈服,好样的[强]你那种超人般的坚强的意志力深深地影响到我,鼓励着我。感谢嫂子,你是我人生的榜样。
愿嫂子一路走好!天堂没有病痛。嫂子,永远怀念你……

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 12:16:PM

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Sandra Steffan

My dear loving friend, Janet! I will always love you and cherish our beautiful friendship. We took many walks together on Burnaby Mountain during our lunch break when we worked together at Xantrex Technology and then Schneider Electric. We talked and walked and share our lives together. You were an awesome friend and a loving person. I miss you but I know too that I will see you again one day in heaven.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 12:59:PM

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Lianxiang & Hu Yang

Deeply saddened to hear about Zhoqiang. She had been our friend since 2000. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 02:03:PM

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邓文菊

怀念志强。
今生有幸遇见你,恍恍惚惚三十年。无论是初次相见,如遇知音的惊喜,还是时隔多年后温暖的重逢,您的热情,善良,豁达,聪慧,都将永远铭记于心。愿您-路走好,永远怀念你。

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 02:25:PM

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Mitul

Deepest condolences to the family, I remember her as a caring, good human being

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 02:26:PM

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严蔚霞

我们认识五十多年了,也做了这么年的朋友。读大学时你一直是我心中的榜样。不愿相信你这么早就离开了!我会一直怀念你的好强,认真,乐观,热情和真诚。我的密友,一路走好!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 02:46:PM

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Josephine Tsen

Janet was always kind and gracious and I will always remember and appreciate the advice she had given me many years ago.
Deepest condolences to Janet’s family and friends.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 02:52:PM

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Gary Fourer

I worked with Janet in BC 15 years ago and I remember her so well. She was a joy to know. My condolences to all those close to her.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 03:56:PM

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Julie Maia

I had the pleasure of working with Janet and I am so very sorry for your loss. Wishing you all peace during this extremely difficult time. ?❤️‍?

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