Zhiqiang Janet Ma

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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 28^th, 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 9^th, 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.

Digital Guestbook

Lianxiang & Hu Yang

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

Maysa Chen

Janet, my dear sister, ever since you moved to Ottawa, we haven’t been in touch as much, but the bond we shared is something I’ll never forget, even when we’re apart. Our connection wasn’t just from working together for so many years and traveling to different places, but also because we share the same birthday. You always showed me such care and kindness. You invited me to your home so many times, and we had so many wonderful birthdays together. You, my dear sister, gave me so much warmth and support. The way you took everything seriously and gave your best in everything you did always inspired me, and I never imagined that your health would be an issue. I never heard you mention any problems, and you never spoke about your struggles. When I heard this heartbreaking news, I couldn’t believe it at first, and it’s been hard to process. But I have to accept that you’ve left behind all your struggles and are now in a place free from pain. I believe that one day, we’ll meet again, and I’ll see your smile once more. Rest in peace, my dear sister.

Maysa Chen

Janet，我亲爱的姐姐，自从你搬到渥太华，我们虽然少有联系，但那种“不思量自难忘”的姐妹情始终未曾改变。这份情谊不仅因为我们一起共事多年，也曾一起出差到过许多地方，和无数次的相谈甚欢的漫步与聚会；更因为我们同一天生日，你一直格外关爱与照顾我这个妹妹，曾那么多次到你家与你一起度过了难以忘怀的生日时光。你这位知心姐姐，无论在生活或工作中，都给予了我无尽的温暖与呵护。你对每一件事的认真与专注让我深感敬佩，怎能想到你身体会出现问题呢？我一直没有听到你身体的不适，而你从未提起过自己的困难。听到这个噩耗，我一直难以置信，心情久久无法平复，脑子里尽都是你的笑容。如今，我们必须接受，姐姐，你只是已经息了地上的劳苦，先去了一个没有痛苦的地方，因为这是我们每一个人的归宿，总有一天我们会再相见，再见到你的笑容。一路走好，我的姐姐。

Jianguo Hu, Hong Ouyang

I was deeply saddened to hear of ZhiQiang's passing. It is so painful loss.
She was not only a wonderful professional but also a kind and compassionate person who left a lasting impression on everyone around her. She was not only a close friend but someone I shared so many special memories with, dating back to our first time meeting in Tokyo when she worked in NEC Japan in 1991, then had a very good time in Montreal, Toronto, their family house and our family home. Her kindness, laughter, and spirit were truly a gift to everyone who knew her. The memories of our time together have stayed with me all these years, and I will forever cherish them.

Xiaobei Zhang & Deqiang Gu

We are incredibly saddened to hear about Janet's passing. We are devastated by this news. Our condolences on your loved one's passing. We cannot imagine how you must feel right now. May the memories of past great times bring you comfort. We are here for you at any time if you'd like to talk.

Jill Tipping

Janet was an amazing spirit and an inspirational person. I will so miss her.

Packiam

Condolences to her family RIP Mam

Leanne Viola

I will never forget Janet’s kindness and smile at work. I am so sad to hear about her passing and send my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.