Janice Hagan Obituary — Esteemed Support Staff Member at Seneca Polytechnic Newnham Campus Passes Away
Markham, Ontario, Canada — The Seneca Polytechnic community, along with the wider Markham region, is mourning the loss of Janice Hagan, a dedicated support staff member at Seneca Polytechnic’s Newnham Campus. Her recent passing has left students, faculty, colleagues, and friends deeply saddened, as they honor a valued and highly respected member of the campus community.
A long-serving employee and active member of OPSEU Local 561, Janice was widely admired for her unwavering commitment, professionalism, and warm, approachable nature. She built meaningful connections with students, staff, and visitors, leaving a legacy defined by compassion, dedication, and service.
Life and Career
Janice Hagan was born and raised in Ontario, making her home in Markham, where she actively participated in her local community and earned admiration from all who knew her. She joined Seneca Polytechnic’s Newnham Campus support team several years ago, quickly becoming a vital contributor to the smooth operation of campus activities. Her responsibilities included administrative support, student assistance, event coordination, and general campus services, ensuring that faculty, staff, and students felt supported and valued throughout the academic year.
Her colleagues consistently noted not only her competence in managing her professional responsibilities but also her exceptional empathy and encouragement for students facing academic or personal challenges. Janice had a unique ability to connect with individuals, making them feel heard, supported, and respected—a quality that became a defining aspect of her presence on campus.
As a committed member of OPSEU Local 561, Janice advocated passionately for fair treatment, benefits, and recognition for all support staff. She actively participated in union initiatives, championing collective workplace rights and fostering an environment where staff felt empowered and supported. Her dedication to workplace solidarity reflected her belief in service, respect, and fairness for all colleagues.
Tributes and Remembrances
Following the announcement of her passing, tributes from students, faculty, union members, and community friends poured in. Many praised Janice for her generosity, her willingness to listen, and her consistent support of those around her. She was frequently described as a “steadfast friend,” “a comforting presence,” and “someone who improved campus life simply through her presence.”
Seneca Polytechnic leadership expressed their sorrow in an official statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Janice Hagan, whose contributions to Newnham Campus were extraordinary. Janice embodied the values of service, compassion, and community that define Seneca. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
OPSEU Local 561 also honored Janice, highlighting her leadership, dedication to union principles, and her enduring friendship. They described her as a “champion for her peers, a devoted community supporter, and a person of exceptional warmth and integrity.”
Community Impact
Janice’s influence extended well beyond her work at Seneca Polytechnic. She participated in local volunteer activities and community outreach in Markham, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service and engagement. Family and friends remember her as a devoted relative, a compassionate friend, and someone whose life made a meaningful impact on countless individuals.
Students recounted her support during challenging academic periods, noting her guidance in navigating administrative processes, her comforting encouragement, and her attention to students’ emotional well-being. Faculty members acknowledged her professionalism, generosity, and role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
Funeral and Legacy
Arrangements for Janice Hagan’s funeral and memorial services are being coordinated by her family. Details will be made publicly available to allow colleagues, students, and community members the opportunity to pay respects. In lieu of flowers, donations to mental health and student support charities are encouraged, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others.
Janice Hagan’s passing is a significant loss for Seneca Polytechnic Newnham Campus, OPSEU Local 561, and the broader Markham community. Her dedication, compassion, and support for students and staff alike leave a lasting impact. Her memory will continue to inspire those she touched, reflecting a life devoted to service, community, and genuine human connection.
