In loving memory of Janet Ireland, 1961 - 2023

I knew Janet through the Cheshire & Mersey Health Library Patch Group. Always generous with her time and so proud and enthused by the work of The Brain Charity. She was alway keen to build bridges and improve connections to make the world a better place.

Remembering Janet a lovely caring person from our first days together at library school in Liverpool where she helped those of us not from the city to settle in, through to our early working lives as colleagues at Northwich & Runcorn libraries, Janet was always concerned more with the needs of others than with her own. Thank you and God bless Janet xx

Janet was a kindly neighbour who always had time to say a few kind words to my children to and from our walk to Dovedale primary school.

Janet really, truly cared. There is a wonder that grows in the hearts of those who really love others. Janet was filled with love for others and so wanted to give her all to her work. What an honour to have met her at the Brain charity.

Janet, you were a completely selfless, extremely kind woman and a friend to me. I miss you already like you were a member of my family. May you rest in peace dear and may God reward you for your kind deeds in life 🙏

I was deeply saddened to hear this news. Janet was a wonderful friend and support to my husband and I during a very trying time. She was kindness personified, full of wisdom and love. She helped us so much. Encouraged us and gave us hope. She went the extra mile, calling me to check we were ok, rather than waiting to respond to my calls. She was patient and wise, helping us with many practical tasks and ‘form filling in’ sessions. I was very fond of her and counted her a friend. She has left a big hole in our lives. We will miss her and the tremendous work she did for the Brain Charity. Losing her will stimulate us to do all we can to support the charity she loved.

I met Janet in 1985 when Merseyside Girl Guides were rehearsing for the Radio Merseyside Service which was broadcast to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Guiding and again when we both helped staff the Merseyside Anniversary Camp at Scarisbrick. Janet was studying for her final exams of her Librarian degree; she encouraged me to attend Dovedale Baptist Church and it’s student group here and we became close friends. Janet first became involved in Guiding in 1968 as a seven year old when she became a Brownie at Dovedale. Following Brownies, she became a Young Leader with the pack, run by Gladys Gilford. When Gladys retired Janet took over the running of the 283rd Brownies at only eighteen she decided to continue to be known as Snowy Owl so that Gladys could continue to be known as Brown Owl. Janet achieved her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award in 1986 after we’d spent a windy weekend hiking and getting lost in North Wales, for her exploration she completed a study on Welsh Chapels and was presented with her award at St James Palace by the late Duke of Edinburgh. Janet has had 100’s of girls through her pack. Some of her original Brownies are now bringing their daughters and granddaughters to be in the pack. She recently received an award for 40 years of volunteering as a Guider. In her heart Janet saw herself primarily as a unit Guider but she was also District Commissioner for Church District, she had a heart for all people but especially those with additional needs. Janet’s faith was very important to her, she was a Deacon and lay leader here at Dovedale Baptist Church, she was instrumental in arranging services and afternoon teas at Dovedale to mark many important anniversaries. Janet also maintained the church’s archives – and when the numbers got too small for the church to be viable, she was involved in marketing the building and achieving its sale to Cornerstones. She was also actively involved with the other churches in the Mossley Hill area – as part of Churches Together in Mossley Hill, in organizing the service for the annual Women’s World Day of Prayer and in helping to run local mum and toddler groups, helping at holiday clubs and supporting the stall at the Allerton Road Farmers Market. It is ironic that for the last 26 years Janet worked at the Brain Charity, initially voluntarily at Galaxo before being employed by them. Her expertise and knowledge will be missed by all those she has worked with and by the many people she helped whilst working there. Janet you played a major part in the lives of many people both locally and further afield and you will be greatly missed, you leave a large hole in all of our lives, You were my best friend, I will miss you. Rest in Peace

Janet u got ur wish I joined the unit I love and miss you dearly you was such an inspiration to a lot of us young adults and girls in Merseyside guiding I will always remember your kind words and encouragement you always give me x

There is a large 'Janet' shaped hole in our lives. You were the sister we never had, a friend for over 35 years and a wonderful, generous and caring person. Our love, prayers and support are with your Mum and Dad. Until we meet again, when our Lord comes to guide us home, keep shining.

We were deeply saddened by the passing of a truly wonderful lady. She was incredibly helpful to our people who contacted her for advice and guidance. We can’t heap enough praise on this fabulous human being.

You will be sorely missed

We met Janet through Dovedale Toddlers group. It was a lifeline to me during those early days with a new baby - I was always welcomed with a warm smile, a hot cup of tea and a caring chat. As well as carrying out ‘official’ volunteering or community projects such as her work with the Brain Charity, Brownies and Guides, toddler group, I know Janet did so much more than that unofficially. She supported families and people in need, she was a dear friend to so many and of course a wonderful daughter, sister and Auntie. We were so fortunate to have met Janet and the world is worse off without her. Thank you Janet for the care and love to gave to me and so many

Such a lovely person inside and out! She was my next door neighbour for like 18 years. Her and her parents where always there for us they were like my family. I missed them dearly when we moved away.

Goodbye sweet lady. To Janet's parents, thank you for the lovely Janet, who lived a full life and was helping and looking after others. We both liked Andre Rieu, so thinking of her now, whilst listening to his concerts. I shall miss her cheerful voice when Janet imparted information and advice to me. To all her relatives and colleagues, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Kind regards, Rose and Tulip

Thank you Janet for all you done, I am very grateful

My deepest condolences to Janet’s family and friends. Janet was one of the most dedicated, caring and supportive members of the neurological community. She will be greatly missed.

There may have been a physical library, but Janet was the library at Neurosupport/The Brain Charity. Her knowledge was incredible and indispensable. I had the privilege to volunteer with Janet, and then work alongside her as a colleague. Our days chatting in the library upstairs when it was quiet and near closing time will be never forgotten. Her kindness shown to her colleagues, her team of volunteers and to anyone entering the centre will be remembered by all. She had time for everyone (apart from when she was on her lunch! Never disturb her when she's having her lunch!), nothing was ever any trouble for Janet. May she rest in [library] silence and peace.

Janet was a long standing friend and much loved colleague during my time volunteering with the Brain Charity in its previous incarnations as The Glaxo Neurological Centre And Neurosupport. A wonderfully kind person, who worked hard in her role and believed passionately in the Charity. Good Night God Bless, Janet😢😢 Rest Easy xxx

Dear Janet, You were so special and you will be so missed. I am so sorry we never had that coffee and catch up we promised and I never got to tell you how much you helped me. I hope you know this. Your legacy will live on through all the people you supported, their families, friends and carers, but also through the staff and volunteers you nurtured, trained and encouraged with patience, kindness and understanding, including me. Thank you for helping me rebuild my confidence when I had been out of paid work for a long time. You truly were an angel, it was clear that you were at your happiest when you were helping others, which is such a beautiful quality and you inspired the best in others also. Nothing was ever too much. My mum will also miss your smile and having a natter with you in the shop. You always brightened up her day when you popped in. We both feel blessed to have known you and take comfort from knowing that you will be smiling down on both of us. May god bless you, your family and friends and everyone else who is missing you.

Janet, the time you made for those in need as well as the example you set each and every day for us all to show unwavering kindness, compassion, love and care to eachother can never be forgotten. You are and will continue to be greatly missed by all those who had the absolute pleasure of your company. Rest in Peace Janet X

I first met Janet 12 years ago and she was so welcoming and enthusiastic. She got me involved in the coffee morning doing name labels for regulars and new visitors. I will miss her a lot.

Janet whenever I think of this quote, I think of the way you emphasised the importance of our interactions with others: To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world. Kindness is the golden chain by which our world is bound together. it was a pleasure to have known you

Auntie Jan, A friend who was more like family. I am only just realising how great an impact that Janet had on my life. Jan supported me through guiding and it was guiding that was my first steps to becoming a teacher and a SENCO. Jan was such a thoughtful, inspiring woman, who I am honoured to have known. Thankyou Jan for all the wonderful memories of theatre trips, guiding, birthday visits, waterfights in the garden, Jans love of ketchup, always prepared with a banana and the amazing quantity of owls in the house! Thankyou Jan and family for opening your home to us x

My nan first stumbled into what was once the Glaxo Centre after her son was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease. She was welcomed with open arms by Janet who gave her something we couldn't at the time. Years later I was lucky enough to get a job in The Brain Charity and work closely alongside Janet. She truly loved her job. Her passion and empathy was infectious and made you want to do good and be better. The skills she passed on have stuck with me to this day - even the things i didn't think i'd remember like how many pages from a book you could legally photocopy! She always spoke fondly of her Librarian past and with that created such safe and educational space of her own in The Brain Charity for many to use I'll never forget her messy desk stacked with papers and dotted with Owl nik naks, her perfectly packed lunch box every day and the countless collection of Thank you cards that stood proudly behind her chair. I got to know that she was more than her work and loved the Theatre, her Faith, her Brown Owl title, spending time with her nieces and nephews and her classical music. oh and her love for a breakaway biscuit! She was a much loved member of our 'dream team' and we really had the best time working together during our time there, she wasn't just our supervisor, she was our Janet! our friend. Janet, you were one of a kind and i don't think you realised how special you were to so many people Sleep tight xx

Thinking of all the family at this sad time .x R I P Janet x