Millport: Son's heartfelt tribute to mum, Janette Booth

Janette Booth sadly passed away from a suspected cardiac arrest on Monday, aged 58.

She was a reflexologist and Reiki expert who lived on the island for many years, and helped in community groups and children's events, and loved people.

Janette was behind 'A Star is Born' Facebook group, which promoted good vibes to lift people's spirits, and amassed over 500 followers. 

In a heartfelt tribute, her only son Kyle has described mum Janette as 'The Angel of Millport' because of her caring and loving nature - and was a very popular figure on the island.

Kyle said: "It is incredible the volume of tributes I have received since my mum's untimely passing and I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.

"We lived in Cardiff Street for most of my childhood.

"She specialised in reflexology massages and Reiki and worked in the local care home as well as running community events.

Jan Booth (Image: Newsquest)

"My mum always liked to help others and she used to volunteer at a drug rehab clinic in Greenock to help addicts. 

"In her later years, she struggled with arthritis and didn't go out and about so much but she set up the Facebook chat group called 'A Star is Born' to give a lift to other people and make them feel good about themselves.

Despite her own aches and pains, she didn't want other people to suffer, and she always wanted to make other people feel better about themselves.

"It really took off - and although everyone slates social media and Facebook, by mum showed that it could be used for such a positive purpose and bringing people together with a common aim behind it to reach out and help others."

Kyle, who has moved to Strathaven and has a barber's shop in South Lanarkshire, sent his last text to his mum on Father's Day and said: "Have a great Father's Day to all the single mums who did both jobs, you won't be forgotten.

"For a disabled woman, she did her very best for me her whole life and she was my everything.

"Mum use to help out in events in the summer in Millport including kids' clubs, and helping out with mothers and toddlers groups. Everybody loved her."

Kyle had to return to Millport a few years ago to stay with his mum, and Janette was thrilled to have her son back.

She also gained qualifications to become a primary school assistant and helped out at Cumbrae Primary.

All Janette's family and relatives stay in Canada, and Kyle hopes to go out there soon to see them all.

Janette set up the Facebook page 'A Star is Born' to promote wellness through tourism, arts and entertainment, and set up friendships all over the globe.

'One in a Million' - Janette Booth (Image: Newsquest)

One tribute which came from Niagra in Canada reads: "I was a great friend and soul sister to Janette. I am so so very sorry to learn of her passing. I shared a common thread with her in having autoimmune disease (RA). We bonded over that and so much more. She was an amazing friend to me.

"I had planned to meet her in Canada when she came to visit. I was really looking forward to hanging out and spending some time with Janette.

"She was a gem."

Son Kyle, 23, told the News that the tributes to his mother have been a great source of comfort to him, and said: "It just goes to show you that people all over the world loved my mum.

"She loved Millport and would do anything to help anyone.

"She was a one in a million - and always went out of her way to look after me - and I will miss her very much.

"I really liked one of the tributes I received about my mother.

"It reads: 'May the angels now guide you, Jan Booth, and may you shine brilliantly for all those who loved you. Truly now, a Star is Born."

A Go Fund Me page has been set up by family friend Suzanne Sterling to help assist in funeral costs. 
She said: "After the tragic sudden death of Janette we are hoping to raise funds to give her the send off she deserves, Jannette was a loving person who always did what she could for others and now we have a chance to give back."
The link is gofundme.com/f/help-give-janette-booth-the-send-off-she-deserves