Janet E. Lawrence

Janet Lawrence, born October 6, 1936, passed away peacefully at her home on April 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Janet lived a full and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy of love, determination, and trailblazing achievements.

As the daughter of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, Janet found herself scooped up and transported to a new and unfamiliar place every few years. The family settled for a time in Proctor, VT and eventually established roots in Hampton, NH but the excitement of travel became a lifelong passion that she never stopped enjoying.

It was in Hampton, NH that Janet would meet the love of her life, Bill Lawrence, at Lamie’s Tavern. Their love story was one of mutual respect and deep admiration, and they shared a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Janet was a true trailblazer, as she and her friend Joan Maider were among the first women to return to college and earn degrees. She joined the Department of Public Welfare as a social worker, serving as a manager, trainer, and eventually the Assistant Director of the Woburn office. Her work was always focused on helping others, and she was honored as a Spanish-speaking social worker in the Department of Public Welfare in the 1970s.

After retirement, Janet and Bill packed up an RV and toured the United States for 5 years, visiting every state and touring every National Park. When she returned home to live with her daughters, she continued to share her love of travel, working as a travel agent for another 15 years, finally retiring at the age of 79.

Since then, she has filled her days with those things she loved: going to live theatre, ballet, opera, crocheting, smoking long cigarettes, sipping Tawny Port but most of all spending time with friends and family.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband Bill, daughters Patricia and Kathleen. She leaves behind daughters Beth and Linda; grandchildren Philip, Michael, and Larissa; and great grandchildren Autumn and Cody.

Remembrances may be made by donating to NH Public Radio. https://www.nhpr.org/tags/donate Janet’s wishes were for no services.