We Remember
DIGBY, Janet Hope
October 22, 1955 — July 8, 2025
No one can predict when the end will arrive. Unexpectedly and tragically, Janet Hope Digby was taken from her family and friends on July 8th, 2025, three months shy of her seventieth birthday and at the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in her life; a house full of design possibilities, years of travelling and learning about the world and its structures with her husband Pat, and spending time with her dearest daughter, Sarah, and granddaughter, Wren.
Janet was born and spent her early years in Brantford, Ontario, and attended boarding school in Toronto. After studying English at McGill University and architecture at Architectural Association in London, England, and the University of British Columbia (where she met her husband Pat), Janet’s professional life as an architect, urban designer, and planner found her working for the cities of Vancouver and Richmond. She also headed her own firm in Kelowna.
It’s no wonder that Janet found her niche in the design world. She was the first student in high school to sport earth shoes, replacing the stiff and properly black Oxfords. Always, Janet was a step or two ahead of her less fashion-aware friends.
It’s not to say that Janet didn’t have an adventurous spirit: wading in a Montreal fountain on a hot summer’s day minus few cover garments; working on a farm in France; swimming and skiing, sporting incredible tans when it was acceptable; fishing with Pat and taking up golf.
Janet was devoted to those she loved, her family and lifelong friends. She was there for her mother and brother Jeffrey toward the end of their lives.
Janet leaves her husband, Pat McCusker; daughter Sarah McCusker and granddaughter Wren; and brothers Peter (Senta) and Graham (Julie). She was predeceased by her mother Mary Hope Digby; father Dr. James Digby; and brother Jeffrey (Lolita).
Her laughter, insight, artistry, and empathy will be missed.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.


My condolence to Pat, Sarah, Wren, Peter/Senta, and Graham/Julie. I worked with Janet in Richmond. I was in the Environmental Programs Department and we have to work on new development. I review space for garbage and recycling collection. I enjoyed talking to her and we talk about family tree on Ancestry. I retired 3 years ago and I wanted to connect with her. A retired colleague told me about her passing. I am sad however I will always remember our conversations. She is very knowledgeable and gone too soon.
Pat and family.
I never had the opportunity of meeting Janet but from reading her obituary I am sure she would have been a fun and interesting person to know.. I am sorry that you didn’t get the chance to finish the next chapter of your lives together.
Sincerely Allan Elliott
I was at McGill with Janet – we had many wonderful, funny, happy times. I treasure those memories. Sending love and hope to Janet’s family and her friends, I do have several photos including dancing on the lawn at McGill, football games together, studying in the library, and parties so I will look for those and send, I am just so sad – it is shocking news. Will always remember her smile!
Deepest condolences to Pat, Sarah and all who loved Janet. She (and Pat) were exceptionally kind and welcoming to me during my short time in Kelowna in 2011-12. I will remember her with great fondness.
Dear Pat, Sarah, Wren, Peter, Graham, and families,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Janet was funny and kind and so much more and I will always remember our private chats over drinks about our families and life in general. I appreciated her insight and philosophy and especially her approach of simply living your best life, no matter what. Sending love and hope that the memories of a life well lived and years of wondeful memories will ease your pain during this difficult period. Love Laura and family
Pat, Sarah and Wren, I haven’t met any of you but I’m very sorry about what happened to Janet. She was really special and had the best smile. Please accept my condolences.
My dearest condolences to Janet’s family. We met in 1st year Architecture UBC. To have befriended Janet was to have a very unique friend defying expectations. I only saw her once since then and had always wanted to reach out. Désolé. I hope for healing for the family.
Dear Pat, Sarah, Wren and family.
I was terribly sorry and shocked to hear of Janet’s untimely death. I worked with her many years ago at the Vancouver Planning Department. She was such a lovely, lively person with a great sense of humour (which we often needed) and an infectious smile and laugh. I wish you the best in what is a truly sad time.
Pat, Sarah and Wren, I met Janet in high school and more recently again at HS reunions and also skiing in Kelowna and Collingwood. She expressed much love for her family and was always welcoming with that beautiful smile of hers. Please accept my deepest condolences to you all.
Patrick, Sarah and Wren,
Peter and I send our deepest condolences to you on the untimely death of dear Janet. We were next door neighbors on Dufferin for almost 20 years from 1964 until 1984 when my Mother sold the house. Peter and I had the pleasure of attending your wedding in 1984. Janet was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. You also kindly hosted us for Thanksgiving dinner 3 or 4 times in the late 90s when I ran the Kelowna marathon. Good memories.
Again, my deepest sympathies. Janet was a beautiful person.
Most sincerely, Susan and Peter Ballachey