Janet Hyer

It is with immeasurable sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Janet Hyer, on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 after a brave struggle with prolonged illness.

Janet received her BA and MA from Carleton University. Long after her Master’s thesis was completed, her supervisor, Carter Elwood, continued to praise the work. Janet came to the University of Toronto to pursue a PhD in political science, with a deep commitment to the subject of Bolshevik policy towards women in Russia. She defended her doctoral dissertation with distinction in 2007.

Early on Janet became involved with the Centre for Russian and East European Studies (now the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at the Munk School for Global Affairs & Public Policy.)

Janet was a vital force in the Munk School in its formative years, overseeing the communications portfolio for the then-Munk Centre for International Studies and serving for thirteen years as program officer for the Centre for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies. She could be found listening with rapt attention to lectures on a wide range of subjects, many of which she had been instrumental in arranging.

Janet brought her enormous integrity, professionalism, focus and attention to detail to everything she did, whether editing books and publications, managing a speaker series or publishing the Centre’s Newsletter. (Shaky grammar never failed to enrage her).  

She was always willing to lend a hand with grace and what seemed like endless patience. Janet left an indelible impression of kindness on everyone who met her.   

In addition to being a wonderful colleague, Janet had a razor-sharp wit. She had an ability to add insightful humour during stressful times, and without ever cracking a smile.

Janet relocated to the Research Office in the Faculty of Medicine in 2011, where she worked with faculty in the development of research grant proposals. She thrived on these new challenges and was highly regarded for her expertise.    

We invite you to make a donation in Janet’s memory through the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies Fund (In Memoriam Donation link below). A fitting tribute will be created to continue Janet’s memory.