Clarkie (Angela Clegg) posted a condolence

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Janet and I go back a long way, to the age of about 5 when she and I, along with Virginia Richards, were at school together until Jan's family moved to Canada when we were 16. Jan and I were also keen Girl Guides and enjoyed many fun camping experiences on the way to us achieving Queens Guide status! In spite of the distance we have managed to keep in contact over the years and, interestingly, also pursued artistic activities alongside our families and careers. I always admired her determination to fit everything in and the last time she and Tom stayed with us was no exception arriving with huge amount of luggage to cover every eventuality! Certainly a life fulfilled in varied spheres and the end of an era on many fronts. All my thoughts to Tom in these difficult times.

Bonnie Lee posted a condolence

Sunday, September 11, 2022

A tatented, caring woman who lived a spacious life that made a difference to many. Her light in this world will be missed. My condolences to Tom who gave her such faithful support over the years. It was a model of being a couple that's an inspiration to witness. Thanks for a beautiful photo retrospective of her life. Blessings to the family! Bonnie Lee

Claudia Baker pledged to donate to The Virginia Satir Global Network

Monday, August 29, 2022

Claudia Baker posted a condolence

Monday, August 29, 2022

There are hardly words to explain the love I have for Janet. When a friend told me about the Satir Learning Centre, I knew it was something I had to experience. I ended up going for many years: to group sessions, family reconstruction weekends, Parts Parties, and individual sessions with Janet. And Christmas parties too! Janet and Tom welcomed us all into their home in Barrhaven with love, patience and kindness. Thank you so much Janet, for all that you have given me. I will be thankful always. My best to her family, and to Tom, who will miss her tremendously, as I will. There will never be another like her.

Alexander Cheryomukhin, Ph.D. posted a condolence

Monday, August 22, 2022

Janet Christie- Seely made a big impact on many families and organizations internationally. In recent years Janet traveled two times to Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. She was invited by the Institute for International Connections and the Azerbaijani Psychological Association to teach and demonstrate Satir Model. Several dozens of local mental health professionals, medical doctors, civil society activists and their families attended. People from the neighboring countries also came. Janet worked with several Muslim women who were survivors of domestic abuse and other pretty complex cases. In a society, where it is against customs to speak about personal challenges and family problems in public, Janet was able to build trusting and respectful and safe climate, where these people felt heard and began to experience and see some positive alternatives. Those sessions with Janet were short, but they made long lasting impacts. In fact, former participants kept asking for another Janet's workshop for years since then. And when I visited and facilitated my sessions there, some former participants encouraged novices to participate and volunteer for a personal session without fear or hesitation. We are all sad, that Janet will not teach another workshop in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Yet her legacy is present in many shapes and forms, from the improved self-images and relationships of participants to the revolutionary role model of what a female professional can achieve, to strong friendships we developed with Janet and Tom over the years. I am proud and excited, that I was lucky to introduce Satir model to the countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia, and that Janet is among the pioneers who created transformative experiences for dozens of colleagues and their families.

Suzanne Tellier posted a condolence

Monday, August 22, 2022

I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Tom and all her loved ones. I have great admiration for her works, including her books and art and especially her healing facilitation. Her motivation and commitment to the Ottawa Satir community unquestionably ran deep. We have been so fortunate to benefit from her passionate care. She has my respect and high regard. I attended the service on line. The tributes were moving and beautiful and at times fun recollections of some of Janets' habits. Thank you, Janet for being such an extraordinary soul. Suzanne Tellier

Gail McEachern posted a condolence

Sunday, August 21, 2022

My dearest Janet, though we knew each other from our days at McGill more than half a century ago, it was in 1995 when I returned to Canada from the USA that our true friendship began. It started at a luncheon where we found ourselves sitting next to each other. and exclaimed almost simultaneously " I know you!". Then the interrogation began: "where have you been living? what kind of work were you doing? did you marry? do you have children? When I told you that I had been trained at Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute in California as a family therapist , followed by seven years in Washington.D.C. working with adolescents and their families, your eyes lit up. New question: "Do you know the work of Virginia Satir?" Yes, I did. 30 minutes of lively accounting of the value in using Satir's Family Reconstruction methodology for helping people change their lives, followed by "of course you must come to a Family Reconstruction and it just so happens I am doing one next weekend". I was hooked from there on - not only on Satir but you with your boundless enthusiasm, warmth, humour, persuasive charm, and constant intellectual curiosity. You were without doubt the Queen of Multitasking. This characteristic although impressive - did have its down side such as being 30 minutes late for patients' appointments, misplacing somewhere in your study (disaster area) the outline guide for a family reconstruction 10 minutes before it was to begin, or forgetting to prepare an important document for discussion during meetings to incorporate the Satir Learning Centre. I will always remember your lovely apologetic smile, a promise to do better and an invitation to help you be a better manager of your time and belongings. Good intentions but not to occur in reality. Instead you forged ahead honouring your inate true spirit - easily seduced by whatever new learning caught your attention and all this formed the basis for all that you generously gave to others. Thank you for being my best friend and for all the wonderful times we shared - especially over hundreds of cups of tea! Gail McEachern Ottawa August 21, 2022

Forrest Cioppa posted a condolence

Saturday, August 20, 2022

“Blimey” That’s the word I learned from Janet to express shock or surprise and that was my reaction to hearing of her passing. .By alphabetical coincidence we were lab partners throughout medical school. I admired her tenacity and strength to breeze thru major hip surgery in the middle of our medical studies. She was always upbeat and never lost her effervescent smile. Her artistic talents were obvious in her drawings of the slides we reviewed in histology lab. My lack of artistic talent became painfully obvious to me but not to Janet, She was never judgmental or condescending. Her ability to read a chapter an hour before a test and pull an A was daunting. We lost touch after med school, but I will always remember her smile her wit, and her encouraging demeanor. Her curiosity, adventurous spirit, and willingness to explore therapies “outside the box” has made the world a better place for all of us. Pax vobiscum Janet Forrest Cioppa MDCM ‘62

Alison Seely Posted Aug 21, 2022 at 6:52 AM

Lovely hearing from you Forrest. I had heard about you, and the fondness dad and mom both had for you, when I chose to name our son Forest. They had very positive name associations! Alison

Maggie posted a condolence

Saturday, August 20, 2022

I met Janet and Tom in a Satir Community Meeting at the height of the Covid19 pandemic and she was so lovely and so friendly! Thank you for your warm welcome into the Satir Community. Rest in Peace Janet. I am sending you a great big PROPER hug and will be remembering you from Nairobi Kenya with Love Maggie

Judy Hawley posted a condolence

Saturday, August 20, 2022

I started getting to know Janet through a workshop called the parts party. Then I did therapy with her and later a family constellation. I continued with the Satir Centre helping to oversee others through workshops and as a board member. Without Janet I would not have overcome many of my life’s challenges and she supported me fully through completing a masters degree and more. When my daughter was born at 24 weeks Janet visited her NICU herself multiple times to share her healing energies. I am forever grateful for her friendship and her mentorship. The world has gained a very powerful angel. My condolences to her loved ones, treasured family and to all her friends.

John Dirks donated to IPPNW CANADA (INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIANS PREVENTION NUCLEAR WAR)

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Fay and I are sad to learn of Janet's passing --we had many good times together in our younger days .Janet was kind and energetic person who contributed widely, with all our sympathy to Jean, Alison, Andrew and Dugald and their families, John and Fay Dirks

Anonymous purchased flowers

Friday, August 19, 2022

Condolences from the Emery family

Alec Ramsay posted a condolence

Friday, August 19, 2022

I was shocked earlier this week when I called Janet's home and Tom answered. To learn of his beloved Janet's short and difficult illness and death from Tom was heart-breaking, and I am grateful to him for our brief conversation at a time when he and the family were in such an early stage of grieving. As a member of the McGill Medical graduating class of 1962, I was calling to invite Janet and Tom to attend our 60th anniversary reunion in Montreal this October. I remember Janet so well from our frequent connections during 4 years of medical school; she was always an exemplary human being and physician in the many ways that other tributes have already portrayed. We crossed paths at times over the years, most memorably in the late 1980s when we were active in the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. I knew of her early interest in the Virginia Satir approach and how it informed her remarkable ability to blend psychosocial awareness and therapy into family medicine. As a psychiatrist working all my career in consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, I greatly admired her skill and devotion in understanding her patients so comprehensively. Thankfully, her success has been remarkable in transmitting her approach to others: patients, students and colleagues, ensuring her memory will endure in the minds and emotions of thousands who loved her.

Pat Bragg posted a condolence

Thursday, August 18, 2022

My condolences, thoughts and prayers fly out to Tom and Janet’s family members and friends. It seems just weeks ago that she was there on the Wednesday morning Satir Global videocalls that keep our network connected, always with something to add. She has contributed so much though her therapy and group work and leaves a very important legacy behind. PAt Bragg Whitehorse, Yukon

Tom Rusk posted a condolence

Thursday, August 18, 2022

I was one of Janet’s medical school classmates. She even then stood out as an extraordinary, kind, humble person who intervened with her Dad when I was not given a Royal Vic internship despite finishing very close to the top of our class each year. Her Dad then ceated an additional internship for me at The Vic. Although I did not ultimately accept it, I so appreciated Janet intervening and her father’s remarkable response! In reading her accomplishments since then, I am humbled by them, but not at all surprised. My sincere condolences to you her family for the grief her loss causes you all... Tom Rusk MD

John Harder posted a condolence

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Lump in my throat for this wonderful soul. 17 years ago, when my life was falling apart, Dr Janet and Satir got me back together again and sent me on my way into the future. The world was the same yet I was different and the tools she taught helped turn blah into beauty. May beauty and joy rest in the hearts of family and friends who have been so blessed by Dr. Janet. - John Harder

Virginia Richards posted a condolence

Thursday, August 18, 2022

I have known Janet since we were about 5 years old! We were at school together and our parents knew each other well. We have kept in touch all these years and shared a number of interests not least painting and counselling/therapy where we both followed different but slightly careers. I so well remember staying with Janet and Tom in Canada. They made me so welcome and Janet even lent me pants and toothbrushes when my luggage was lost on the way! I had a wonderful time with them and even got involved in a Satir course which Janet was running during my stay. I shall miss you Jan. You were an inspirational powerhouse. My love and condolences go to all your family. Vinny xx

Sarah Picard posted a condolence

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

I have known Janet since the early age of 11 when she was introduced to my family for counselling. Over the years, we have been involved in the Ottawa Satir Learning Centre (especially my mother Debra) and I have fond memories of the Christmas parties we attended in Aylmer and workshops at the Ottawa Satir Learning Centre in Barrhaven. Her home was always filled with memories of her adventures and the beautiful artwork she created. She has helped so many people, and I am grateful for the help she provided me and my family over the years. She will never be forgotten.

Maryl Weatherburn uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

I have known Janet through my participation in the Ottawa Satir Learning Centre for over twenty-five years (participating in workshops, trainings, groups, and being her client in individual therapy). During this time, I have really appreciated her passion for her work and her creativity in working with various tools and practices. I have also noticed and very much appreciated her kindness, authenticity, and genuine caring for all of us. My own therapy journey (from complex ptsd) entailed a long journey together. Through her kindness, and her use of her extensive knowledge and skills, she enabled me to find my own true self and life inside, and now finally I find myself living into a more spacious life. The attached photo includes a painting I did a few years ago, symbolizing this finding of new life: a spacious seed putting out two fresh new leaves. During this time, I really appreciated her willingness to sometimes share with me (when appropriate) about her own journey. I also really appreciated her willingness to shift and grow herself, as new aspects of my complicated journey (and those of others) would unfold. She will be missed for her huge contribution to the lives of many, and for her unique and creative ways of creating community among a diversity of people all learning together.

Walter Chen posted a symbolic gesture

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Janet was and always will be my life teacher. This world needs more good people like her.

Sonya Howard posted a symbolic gesture

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

I value and appreciate the positive impact Janet has had on my life. Thank you for the light she has brought to everyone whose lives she touched.

Laura Perreault posted a symbolic gesture

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Are there really any words to truly describe Janet? She had such a presence all around her. She had and continues to have such a profound impact on my life and the lives of so many of us. She was without a doubt a pioneer who carved not just one path but many paths for us to follow. I have no doubt she's still pioneering and carving new roads for us when we're ready to follow. I'd like to think she'd be proud to know I found my way back to the helping profession, I just took the long way around. Janet was without a doubt the brightest light who never ever stopped helping those around her.

Lise Beaubien donated to IPPNW CANADA (INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIANS PREVENTION NUCLEAR WAR)

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Hilda Richards purchased flowers

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

My sincere sympathy,

Anne Macdonald posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Our thoughts are with you now and will especially be thinking of you on Saturday as you pay special tribute to your mom B.c. Macdonald Family. Anne, Don, Duncan and Rob

Troy Evans posted a condolence

Monday, August 15, 2022

I was fortunate enough to meet Janet in her retirement and she agreed to treat me as a favor to a past patient. It is hard to put into words the impact that our short but beneficial relationship held. In short, Janet changed my life. Janet helped me discover what was truly going on in my mind and helped me unlock memories that not only helped me but made it possible for me to report to the police all the trauma experienced by myself and 2 others in my family. As a result, 4 men were convicted and sentenced to prison terms and set precedent law in Canada. Janet became more than a doctor or therapist and more of a friend. We spoke often of art as we shared a keen interest in painting, another discovery I made under her care. I met Janet in 2015 and can only say I wish it had been earlier so I could have spent more time learning from her. Look for my story in her last book which hopefully is published as I know it was her wish to give this final gift to the world. She will be greatly missed by me and all the parts of me she helped discover. From Bob, Jeff,, Ray Troy, Musa,T-Roy and Junior!!!

Laura S Dodson posted a condolence

Monday, August 15, 2022

Beautiful, loving human being and friend for many years. I am so sad to have her leave this plane of existence.

Tania posted a condolence

Monday, August 15, 2022

Much thanks to Dr Christie-Seely for her care. Most notable of the time she reached out to me when I was no longer her patient. And a huge gratefulness to her work with Junior and with DID. How incredibly lucky we are to have benefited from your knowledge , experience, and expertise in the field. We can only hope that someone will follow in your footsteps. Tania

Valerie Rowe posted a condolence

Monday, August 15, 2022

Tom and Family With the most fondest memories and love to you at this time. Please know that Janet has always been such an influence to me as a Psychotherapist. I carry the Satir Teaching always. I was so appreciative to be apart of the group, to Co-facilitate Family Interventions and to support Janet in her work. She is with the Greatest Healer of All. Valerie R.

Dr Joy Zeglinski posted a symbolic gesture

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Dear Jean and family I first met your Mom during my internship at the Civic (associated with the dept of Family Medicine). She sparked my interest in Family Medicine from a Family Therapy perspective (and later my desire to pursue further training in psychiatry and psychotherapy). I attended her Satir workshops privately, healing places in myself I did not know were hurting. She was an important part of my journey to mend the legacy of family wounding. I am so sad to hear of her sudden loss to you and our community and grateful to have felt her impact. May she live on in the memories and times you share. Slàinte Mhath!

Donna Pascal posted a condolence

Sunday, August 14, 2022

I was saddened to hear about Janet's passing. She and Tom were in aquafit classes with me at Baker for many years. I loved the twinkle in her eyes and her majestic smile. She was a caring and compassionate person. May she rest in peace and never be forgotten. Donna.

Tom & Dee Dettman posted a condolence

Sunday, August 14, 2022

A very sad day for us, learning of Dr. Christie-Seely’s passing via Timmins connections! She was such an inspiration to us in our earlier years of marriage, and we have never forgotten her. Such a loving and amazing woman. Tom, our deepest sympathy! RIP Janet. ❤️ Tom & Dee Dettman

Bill Glover posted a symbolic gesture

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Tom, just heard about Janet's passing. Please accept our sympathies from my family to yours and know you and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill Glover, Kenogami ON

Judy Bernstein posted a condolence

Saturday, August 13, 2022

My deepest condolences to all Janet’s family, I have only the fondest memories of Janet, her infectious smile and easy laugh, her compassion, curiosity and bravery. I too experienced Satir with her and found it profound. I enjoyed warm, delicious dinners at her home and so many provocative discussions. She was a body and spirit healer. Her brilliance continues in her children. Judy Bernstein

Peter Kreuser posted a condolence

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Janet Christie-Seely Her life has been terminated. Her words are forgotten. Her presence lives on. She, the initiator, the advocate, the leader of Satir, right here in Ottawa. I went to a few of the sessions, not asking for help, for advice, no, simply to experience Janet. I went as a listener, supposedly, to learn how to use the so-called tools to enrich, to improve our lives. Eventually, we, the attendees, we were called upon to be actors in this eternal play of strangers coming to help those who came for help. It was always interesting, if not hilarious at times. All that is forgotten, yet, her presence will be with me for time to come. This incredible personality, always in charge, never domineering. Her voice demanding attention, her voice never commandeering. To listen to Janet was healing. Recovery for some, reassurance to others. People came not necessarily looking for some instant change in their lives, but to be close to goodness, to be close to our friend Janet. Tom was the gray eminence. The person totally in the background. He was the silent organizer, the person who planned the meetings, often for large groups of people. He and Janet were a pair, yet, an outsider would not have known. Tom remained in the background, a modest man. They planned their missionary work around the globe. Their belief, that Satir could help, fulfilled their days. They succeeded. Peter K.

May posted a condolence

Saturday, August 13, 2022

I was very sad to hear of Janet's passing. She was a light in many people's lives, and helped many of us in our journey. I will always remember her welcoming nature, her kindness, lher ovely artwork, the twinlke in her eyes,, and that beautiful smile. So long my Aquafit partner, my confidante & warm friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Tom, and with all her lovely family. She lives in our hearts. May Collins

The family of Dr. Janet Christie-Seely uploaded a photo

Friday, August 12, 2022

Posts to the tribute of Dr. Janet Christie-Seely