Janet died peacefully on the 10th January after a battle with dementia in the Broadmead Memorial Lodge Care Home. She is survived by her loving husband, Ken, of 64 years, her daughter Katharine (David), her son Geoffrey (Clare), 13 grandchildren, and 4 great- grandchildren. Janet was born in Tamworth, Ontario to Helen and James Wallace where she spent her early years before the family moved to New Brunswick, first to Sussex, then to Moncton. She studied piano with Ernest Freeborn, and accompanied choirs and the school orchestra at Moncton High School. She went on to Mount Allison University where she obtained a B.Sc. in home economics (cum laude), in 1955, and also studied piano there with Evron Kinsman, and accompanied many singers.
In 1956 Janet travelled to England, where she studied with Robin Wood at the Royal Academy of Music, and in 1957 was awarded the LRAM diploma. She sang for two years with the Royal Choral Society in London, whose members performed regularly in the Royal Albert Hall with the London Symphony under Sir Malcolm Sargent and others.
In 1958 Janet married Ken Leffek in London with the ceremony performed by Lord Donald Soper. They returned to Canada and settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1961. In 1968 Janet met Yvonne Enoch, who introduced her to the group teaching of piano, in classes of eight students with four pianos. She was hired by the Halifax School System in 1971 to teach piano by this method. The programme grew over twelve years until over 200 children and three part-time teachers were involved. It reached its high point in 1980 when 32 of her students playing 16 pianos in the Halifax Metro Centre performed an arrangement of “The Carnival of the Animals” by Saint Saens. This remains to this day a unique performance in the annals of classical music. Sometime later the programme was terminated by the School Board on the grounds that it was elitist. All told Janet taught piano in Halifax for over 30 years and played an active part in the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association of which she was made a life member. For nine years she was also the rehearsal accompanist for the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Choir. Janet has given lectures and workshops on piano group teaching in Nova Scotia and England and taught the piano pedagogy course at Acadia University for one year as a sabbatical replacement. She has adjudicated at over two dozen music Festivals in the four Atlantic provinces and British Columbia. Janet’s last performances were recitals at Care Homes in Victoria, including a number at the Broadmead Memorial Lodge, where she spent the last two years of her life after she developed dementia. Our special thanks are given to Dr.Christine Roh and the staff of this home for the loving care which they gave Janet during her last years. Donations to Broadmead Care would be greatly appreciated.
A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
CL
-
Rita Kamra Paquin So many wonderful memories of piano lessons with Mrs. Leffek, first at the Chebucto Music School and then in later years at her home studio. Recitals, music festivals, ensemble work, accompanying, and of course the huge en masse piano playing in 1980 st the Metro Centre. Mrs. Leffek not only gave us instruction in how to play the piano, she gave us a well-rounded musical education. I still have some of the Piano Explorer magazines to which we were all subscribed, at her urging. Mrs. Leffek was such an important part of my formative years in Halifax. I will never forget. Please accept my condolences at this difficult time. My thoughts are with your family.
-
Anjali Bhatnagar-Arnold It took a little longer for me to learn of the passing of my beloved piano teacher who always intended for (and expected) me to be better than I became… Janet Leffek was a beautiful lady of impeccable taste and standards. I’ve never known anyone as giving as she was – we all worked hard to reach her high bar. I’d been her student for almost a decade in the 80s in Halifax.
One year, she picked me up personally, in her Jetta, from school weekly on wednesdays and drove me to the music department on Chebucto St for our group lessons. Then when they canned the music program through city schools, we all went to her home studio. Moving away from Hfx, we exchanged holiday letters with handwritten notes for years after the family moved to BC. I missed those letters when they stopped coming…terribly.
Anything I create today as a ‘musical artist of life’ and teacher is with deepest thanks to her. I know she never imagined I’d completely dispense with sheet music (of other composers) and create music of my own by ear – therein from the obvious failing comes a radical necessary emergence. Again, the honour was entirely ours Mrs. Leffek, that you pushed us as hard as you did – and carried us the entire way.
Mrs. Leffek, I’m so glad I took the chance to send you my music of the recent decades for you to hear, to find you genuinely bemused and delighted, several years ago. I will keep your testimonial up on my website forever – you have made a difference in all our lives.
My condolences to Dr. Ken and the whole family. Much love.
-
Rafael Alcolado We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Leffek family on the loss of dear Janet.
We remember her in Halifax not only as a skilled professional in music circles,
but also as a gentle and refined lady whose warm hospitality & generosity of spirit was felt by all who knew her.
May we add she could make the best cranberry chicken ever!
May you draw solace from your precious memories of her.
Sincerely, Rafael and Susanne Alcolado
-
Julie Post, Correspondence secretary, Halifax Chapter NSRMTA On behalf of the Halifax Chapter of the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association, I offer sincere condolences to Janet’s family and friends. Our members have many wonderful memories of Janet as an important mentor, superb teacher, and delightful human being.
-
Przem Pruszynski Ken, Cathy, Geoff, please accept sincere condolences. Janet lived beautiful and meaningful life!!
Przem PRUSZYNSKI with family.
-
Hilary Brown I have such fond memories of Mrs. Leffek, who was my longtime piano teacher when I was a child in the late 70s & early 80s. She was a wonderful teacher. I had a unique relationship with her, because I also played the cello, and I really looked up to Kathy – a very talented cellist! – who was a few years older than me, and we had the same cello teacher: Adam Mueller. Mrs. Leffek was my accompanist for all my Kiwanis Festival classes and other performances for several years – it was so handy that she already knew all the cello repertoire because she had played it all with Kathy already! The very first time she accompanied me I went to her house to rehearse, and with a smile, a laugh, and a wink, she introduced me to “The Chair” (as she put it) – it was wooden and painted white – it was Kathy’s cello chair! I was quite awestruck that I got to sit on this chair for our rehearsals.
One time Mrs. Leffek went on a trip to England and she brought me back a small gift – a tiny tin container with a lid, and painted on the side was a coloured drawing of someone playing the cello – it was so thoughtful of her. I still use this little tin to this day – it has housed my paperclips for 4 decades!
I learned a tremendous amount from Mrs. Leffek, and I was so lucky to have this opportunity in my formative years. She was a warm, supportive, generous, and kind person, and it was an honour to know her and to learn from her. She was a very special lady indeed.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Leffek, Kathy, Geoff, and the rest of the family.
Sincerely,
Hilary Brown
-
Patricia Bryson Dear Ken, Kathy and David, Geoff and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Janet was an inspiring mentor to me when I was a young piano teacher in my early 20’s. We worked closely together planning the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations (CFMTA) National Convention held in 1991, in Halifax, which Janet chaired. We became colleagues and very good friends, which I so greatly appreciated.
Always mindful of encouraging the musical development of young teachers, Janet inaugurated the piano performance group which met monthly in her lovely home, providing invaluable performance experience, guidance and support for mature students and young teachers who were preparing for advanced Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) piano exams, also welcoming teachers who wished to share the joy of live music-making. The camaraderie, collegiality and musical joy which Janet fostered in we teachers, is still alive today in the NSRMTA, for which we are most grateful.
-
Nancy Grossert I want to share my sincere condolences to Ken and family on Janet’s passing.
Janet, or Mrs. Leffek as I knew her for my first few decades, had a significant influence on my life. My first memory of her was seeing her conduct the circle of pianos at the Metro Centre on TV. Little did I know at that tender age that this was a person who would positively change my life.
Janet taught me piano at the Leffek Piano School from age 9 to 17 in small groups of students. She placed great importance on many musical aspects related to the piano but went above and beyond in our training. She taught us how to have discipline and tenacity, but also how to have a great appreciation for music. She kindly and patiently encouraged us to work on solo playing, piano duets, accompanying others, theory, harmonizing, composition, and improvising. Her very comprehensive and thorough methods set me up for a lifetime of enjoyment from playing the piano and other music.
While all classical musicians eventually become adept at reading sheet music if they progress far enough, Janet’s attention to ear training allowed me to delve into different styles of music not easily accessible to those who have received less thorough training.
I had three significant childhood musical influencers, and Janet was the primary one. She built upon our introduction to music from elementary school, and this was followed by many enjoyable years for me climbing through the RCM grades. We reconnected again when I moved to Victoria and I greatly enjoyed rekindling our piano duo repertoire, on hold since my late teens.
Her life and contributions to music changed so many lives for the better, including mine, and I remain very grateful for her.
I hope my fond gratitude, memories, and thoughts – along with others’ – may bring some comfort to you during this difficult time of of loss.
-
Daryl Chaddock Janet Leffek was an inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing her. She remained so interested in the activities of members of the NSRMTA after she moved to British Columbia. I would visit her when visiting our son in Victoria and she seemed always to have such fond memories of Halifax and her years in music here. Janet was a friendly, wise, elegant and talented lady.
-
Diane and Ivan Baggs When I was teaching at Duc Danville School in Halifax in the seventies I asked the children if they knew of someone who could accompany the choirs and a young student named Kathy put up her hand and said “ My Mother can play the piano.” Much to my joy and delight Kathy turned out to be a master of understatement. Her mother turned out to be the outstanding musician we all know and a treasured friend.
Ivan and I moved to Alberta a couple of years later but we kept in touch with Janet and Ken through Christmas letters and some meetings of music educators. When we retired to Victoria in 2007 Janet and Ken were already established here and welcomed us and introduced us to the Canadian Club and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and other delights of Victoria. Best of all, they invited us to their annual Christmas Carol Sing; treasured traditional music, interesting and charming people, and the best Ham and Scalloped Potato dinner ever. (The first year they even made it snow!)
Janet’s many many talents, quiet voice, gentle ways and generosity were backed up by a stalwart strength that made her a friend to be cherished .
She will be deeply and sadly missed.
-
Alison Campbell Dear Ken,
I did not know you and Janet well, but I was touched by my contact with both of you, through Catherine. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your time of grief. She was a wonderful woman who touched many through her gift of music.
-
Anne Smithson I live at Braefoot Place and only met Janet a few years ago when she used to play for our Christmas Dinner at the Golf Course.We enjoyed singing carols but very off key.! I knew she developed dementia so her passing must be somewhat of a relief but a loss never the less. She obviously was a very talented lady and I wish I had known her longer. My condolences to Ken and all the family
-
Anneke Rubingh Sending my sincere condolences to you Ken and to your family.
Janet was a warm and very capable person and I always was happy to see both of you across the isle at concerts.
Good memories of Christmas carols and dinner afterwards at your home.
-
Catherine Laird To Ken, Kathy & David & family:
So sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother…
I will always remember Janet through her relationship with Catherine & Irene – and the many Canadian Club meetings. I remember fondly her talent & passion on the piano – tickling the ivories at the CC Christmas Teas.
I feel richer for having met & gotten to know Janet over the years.
Thinking of you all!
Catherine Laird
-
Sara Dillistone Dear Ken,
I am so very sorry to hear of Janet’s passing.
We first met at university in the early fifties. As we were both graduating in 55 we decided we would both teach for a year saving as much money as we could for a year in Europe.
What an adventure! Six weeks on the continent sleeping in our rented Citroen. Janet being smaller than me had her head between the clutch and the gas pedal, the back seats being removed each night for leg room. We cooked on a steel suitcase on many a roadside and slept at family campgrounds at night and visited as many countries in western Europe as we could.
Back in England we settled in a rented flat with four others and worked at various part time jobs for living expenses and lessons at the Royal Academy of music, Janet in piano of course, and me in singing. But this time in England was extra special for Janet as it was there that she met you!
Once home in Canada you two settled in N.S. and my husband and I headed west to B.C. Although there were a couple of visits from you as you crossed the country it wasn’t until we all retired on Vancouver Island, you in Victoria and us in Comox, that there were lots more visits and grand duets between Janet and me with Janet on the piano and me singing.
I am so glad to have had those happy times with Janet.
Take care, Ken.
Affectionately,
Sara
-
Diane Symes I have known Janet since she and Ken moved to Victoria and have always enjoyed her warm and friendly personality.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Sincere condolences to her family.
-
Beverley and Donald Wilden We were sorry to hear about Janet and offer our sincere condolences to you, Ken and your family. She was a very talented and lovely person. Our kindest thoughts go out to you at this time of grief.
-
Bob LeBlanc Sincere condolescences.
-
Michal King Janet was a lovely person, friendly, understanding and full of good advice with a wonderful gift for music which she shared with all of her fellow teachers. I have a fond memory of her when the CFMTA held it`s meeting in Regina. We ended up on the hotel roof in the hot tub, lots of laughing and shared fun. She will be missed but I know so many people will have lasting memories of this great lady
-
Kennedy Martin Janet and Ken were kind and generous to provide me with a place to stay for a month as I embarked on my first year at UVic. I am so appreciative of that gesture and was pleased to spend some time getting to know them. Janet was a lovely, welcoming person and I’m very sorry to hear of her passing. Condolences to Ken and their Family.
-
Apiraami Thana My brothers and I were so lucky to know Janet Leffek, who we affectionately called “Grandma” since we were born. My parents came to Canada in their early 30s from Sri Lanka, and my mother was fortunate to meet Dr. Ken Leffek (“Grandpa” to us) as her academic supervisor when she began her PhD in Chemistry at Dalhousie University. Grandpa and Grandma quickly became an unwavering support system to both of my parents. They went above and beyond in their care and generosity. At the time, this meant a lot to parents, who were young and trying to settle down in a new and unfamiliar country that was half-way across the world from their families. Their care extended to my two older brothers and I once we were born. We were so fortunate to have them in our lives as our stand-in grandparents – and they did a fantastic job of making us feel special. They were supportive of our endeavours and always took an interest in us. One of my favourite childhood memories around Christmas time was the annual trip to Toys-R-Us with my brothers to buy a special toy with the gift certificates that Grandma and Grandpa gave to us, along with a card that always provided an update on their exciting lives. When they moved to Victoria, they always made an effort to visit us. As I have gotten older, I have truly come to appreciate that their involvement in our lives was outstanding. Grandma was an exceptionally gentle lady, who was the epitome of class, kindness, commitment and generosity. She was also extremely adorable! I will always keep my memories of her close to my heart, and am eternally grateful for the care she and Grandpa showed my parents at a time when they needed it the most, and for the role they played in my life as well. To Grandpa and family, my deepest condolences. With love, Apiraami Thana.
-
Rafael Oei Janet was such a special soul. A wonderous addition to the Heavenly Choir. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Blessings from the Oei family, and the Victoria Branch, BCRMTA.
-
Susan Haddon Dear Ken and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Janet’s death. I have lovely clear memories of her gentle warmth and wonderful piano playing at the Canadian Club of Victoria luncheons and Christmas Tea. My sincerest condolences.
-
Chrissy Harrison Remembering my lovely Auntie Jan. I am sad but also have so many happy memories of laughter, humour & clothes shopping amongst others. My heart goes out to Uncle Ken, Kathy & David, Geoff & Clare and all of Auntie Jan’s grandchildren.
Much love,
Chrissy
-
Mary( Meg ) Johnson I remember Janet as a warm and kind person. I did practice teaching with her when I was still studying music at Dalhousie University and learned much from her.
Condolences to her husband and family.
-
Diana Torbert Janet was the first music teacher I met when I moved to Halifax in 1987 and she welcomed me so warmly into the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association. I admired her teaching experience and expertise and she was a warm, generous person.
We played some duets together for a while! She was my son’s (Jeff Torbert) first piano teacher and he benefited greatly from her
excellent teaching of piano and theory. She was an inspiration and I remember her with great respect and love.
-
Peggy Harrison RMT, NS Several members of the Dartmouth Chapter of NSRMTA became well acquainted with Janet when she offered her piano pedagogy course to us when we were just starting our teaching careers. We realized the breadth of her knowledge and her passion for mentoring younger teachers through this relationship. We also know that she was among the early members of the Dartmouth Chapter NSRMTA before moving to the Halifax Chapter. Her generosity to the Nova Scotia teachers is widely known and appreciated. Our sympathy goes to all her family, friends and former colleagues.
-
Arnold Jarczewski We are very sad- Krystyna & Arnold
-
Nina Waite I am profoundly sad at the passing of Janet Leffek. I grew up learning to play the piano in her home studio, playing hide and seek in her backyard; our two families shared many happy times, from sabbaticals in England together to Christmas gatherings (where the young’uns fought over the Christmas pudding & hard sauce!) and swims at the Ritchie Drive Pool. Janet played piano at my wedding. We all missed the Leffeks when they moved to Victoria, but when they came back to Nova Scotia to visit, Janet always came for lunch; she was warmth and kindness embodied, and I was delighted to be able to keep in touch with her. Janet was a talented musician and a dedicated teacher, but she was also a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother ! I marvelled that she taught piano to her grandchildren in New Brunswick from her home in Victoria – on Zoom ! Now that is dedication. I will miss her smile. I will be in Victoria in a few weeks and I look forward to spending time with Kathy, Ken and the family. Sending much love to you all.
-
Jeanne Wood So sorry to hear this very talented lady has passed. My sincere condolences to her lovely and also very talented daughter Katherine and family!
-
Dr. Lorna Wanzel RMT Janet was a highly respected colleague and beloved friend to many. Due to her generosity, the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association is able to administer the Janet Leffek Fund, which enables music teachers to further their professional development. Janet will be greatly missed by many.
For over twenty years, Janet and I met weekly to play piano/flute duets together. I could never thank her enough for teaching me so much about music, and for becoming such a wonderful friend. I join all her many friends and family who miss her so much and who will treasure the precious memories she left us.