Janet Patricia Hudgins

September 26, 1936 – July 31, 2026

Janet Patricia Hudgins of Halifax, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 89.

Born in Nova Scotia on September 26, 1936, Janet’s life was marked by resilience, curiosity, independence, and an enduring love of learning.

At the age of 11, Janet experienced the devastating loss of her beloved mother, Margaret Buthlay Hudgins, who died suddenly of a heart attack. Growing up in a time when children were often expected to grieve quietly, Janet carried that profound loss with her throughout her life. Despite this early hardship, she developed a remarkable strength and independence that became defining qualities throughout her many years.

Her mother, Margaret Buthlay Hudgins, was born in Scotland and came to Canada as a young woman, bringing with her the strength and resilience that would become part of Janet’s own story. Her father, Captain Jack Hudgins, served as a soldier. Janet’s early life was shaped by her family history and by experiences that would inspire her lifelong interest in history, people, and the stories that connect us.

As a young woman, Janet left Nova Scotia and spent several years in Toronto before returning home for a time. Her adventurous spirit later led her west, first to Victoria and then to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she created a life centered on education, writing, creativity, and community.

While living in Vancouver, Janet attended the University of British Columbia, studying Creative Writing and Political Science. A gifted writer and dedicated researcher, she spent eight years researching and writing her historical novel, Treason: The Violation of Trust, which was self-published in 2008. She described the process as a remarkable journey, filled with history, research, and the generosity of librarians, historical societies, and people she met along the way.

Janet also wrote short stories, contributed reviews and articles about community events to local newspapers, and was recognized for her writing, including receiving a prize from Creekhouse Gallery and had her work published in Tickled by Thunder and The Paperjourney. She served as a juror for Canadian history book awards and writing contests.

Janet possessed an inquisitive mind and a deep appreciation for history, politics, literature, and social justice. She cherished intelligent conversation and found joy in the arts, including theatre, writing, and visual art. She believed there was always something new to learn and approached life with a genuine curiosity about the world around her.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janet returned to Nova Scotia to be closer to family. After spending several months with her children, her fiercely independent nature led her to establish a home of her own in Halifax, where she enjoyed the city’s culture, arts, and opportunities to remain engaged with the community.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, Captain Jack Hudgins and Margaret Buthlay Hudgins, and by her grandson, Adam Grant, in 2025.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Patrick Hudgins (Valerie); their children, Jacqueline Battist, Adam Shortliffe, and Luke Hudgins; and her great-granddaughter, Laney Joy Hudgins.

She is also lovingly remembered by her daughter, Heather Hudgins-Rogers (Stephen); her children, Leigh Grant (Kim), Kristopher Grant, and Justin Grant; and her great-grandchildren, Patrick, Kayleigh, Oliver, Cohen, and Hunter.

Those who knew Janet knew there was often a book nearby, a thoughtful opinion ready to be shared, and a genuine curiosity about the world around her. She had an independent spirit, a sharp intellect, and a lifelong desire to learn, understand, and engage in meaningful conversation.

Janet’s legacy lives on through the stories she wrote, the knowledge she pursued, the family she leaves behind, and the many ways she continued to seek understanding and connection throughout her life.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com