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.
Digital Guestbook
Zhong Xie and Qiong Yang
David Xu and Wendy Wang
We have known Janet for eight wonderful years an became close friends. She brought so much joy and encouragement into our lives. Together, we studied, traveled, fished, hiked, explored the ocean, and even went whale watching. The memories of these beautiful moments spent together will always be cherished. Her optimism, generosity, and bright laughter, along with her positive and uplifting attitude, were like a guiding light that always inspired and encouraged us. Even when facing illness, she remained strong and open-minded, embracing treatment with remarkable courage. During her treatment breaks, she continued to spend time with family and friends, creating countless precious moments for us to remember.
We are thankful for the time we shared and the journeys we took together.
Janet, may you rest in peace.
James Z. Ji and Jean Qingxia Xie (吉占亮和谢青霞)
我们与李晶马志强夫妇相识相识多年。我们两家还有其他的朋友们一起度过了很多美好的时光。周末聚会,短程郊游,林荫山道，泛舟湖上，公园野餐，国外旅游，访名胜，历奇观，乘游轮。马志强性格开朗，热情好客，待人真诚, 做事认真，聪明好学，进取心强。和她在一起，朋友们会自然地感到愉快，自如。如今她已离我们而去了，我们将永远的怀念她。
Janet Ma and Jing Li （马志强和李晶）have been our family friends for many years. We and the other family friends shared numerous happy moments together. Janet is very motivated and constantly make self-improvements. I recall, many tears ago, we (several couples) were having a walk along the trail surrounding Burnaby Lake, she took that time for better preparation of her upcoming participation in Vancouver Sun Run。We walked at a normal (relatively slow) pace, but Janet ran, when she is far ahead of us, she would run back or wait for us! For our South America cruise ship and land tour trip, Janet started learning Spanish. She is a very fast learner, by the time we got off the cruise ship and started the land tour, she started to chat with locals in Spanish, on the bus or at the tourist attraction!! Dear Janet, we will remember you forever.
殷毅君，张斌
志强是我的同学、老师、同事、朋友。从大学里第一次听说她，我们系的高材生学姐，到多年后在异国他乡成为好朋友，她好学的精神、热情的性格、坚强的意志一直影响着我。我们会永远怀念她！
Weng Ho
In loving memory of a cherished colleague, who will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
杨琼
深切缅怀马老师
Xiao-Chun Wu and family
We cherish the memories we had with you and your family. We wish we had more time to enjoy our children and grandchildren together.
Safe travels and we will see you again.
Bob Lu
I am so sorry to hear that, Janet was always working very hard when we met at Schneider Electric, Solar Business. My deepest condolences to Janet's family.
Surabi Krishnamurthy
Janet spoke to me warmly during all my visits to Burnaby. Sad to hear that she passed away. May her soul rest in peace
George and Pat McLaughlin
Dear Karen and Dennis and Sons,
Please accept our deepest condolences. May your happy memories give you comfort and encouragement.
Jing,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Zhiqiang Ma. Our hearts ache for you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. We cherish the wonderful memories we shared immensely grateful for the moments we spent together over the past decade. We will miss her presence profoundly.
May Janet find peace and happiness in heaven.
With heartfelt sympathy and support, [Zhong/ Qiong]