An experienced researcher and well-published, Janet brought her leadership to the Department, becoming Head of Family Medicine in 1986. She was known to be a superb and compassionate family physician and a wise and caring Head of Department and was also instrumental in expanding postgraduate training in Family Medicine in Ontario’s medical schools and Northern Programs. She combined all of this with being the most loving and supportive life partner, mother, daughter, aunt, friend, and an exceptional role model to us and so many others.

After retiring in 1996, she returned to her early creative pursuits, spending the next fifteen years painting, meeting new friends, and giving full reign to her innate love of art.

Above and beyond her significant contributions, our parents built and enjoyed a beautiful and full life together, including our serene cottage on a small lake north of Kingston, traveling to over 70 countries, gathering with their grandchildren each summer on Martha’s Vineyard and reveling in the lifelong company of an extraordinary circle of friends. They remained very happily married for 54 years until Dad’s sudden passing from a ski accident in March 2010.

While Janet’s short-term memory faded over the last decade, her grace, kindness, affection, and love of music, poetry, and literature endured to the final days of a life well-lived.

We are deeply grateful for the love and support Janet received from the remarkable and caring staff at Briargate, the Queen’s Palliative Care Team, and earlier at St. Lawrence Place. She couldn’t have been in better hands.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Sorbie's family would welcome a donation directed to the Janet Sorbie Award in Family Medicine fund to support residents in Family Medicine who have undertaken original research, preferably in the field of women's health, care of the elderly, or palliative care.

Please be sure to fill out the commemorative portion of the giving form entitled "Dedicate my gift." This will allow Queen's to notify Dr. Sorbie's family of your thoughtful donation to the Janet Sorbie Award in Family Medicine.

If you wish to make your donation by phone, please call our toll-free phone number, 1-800-267-7837, and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.