Janice Marie Larsen

1947 - 2013

Janice Marie Larsen obituary, 1947-2013, Manchester, NH

Janice Larsen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 26, 2013.

Janice Marie Larsen passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday, March 23, 2013, due to stage four pancreatic cancer.

She was born May 4, 1947 in Waltham, Mass., to the late Romeo and Eva (Gallant) Landry. She is the sister of Richard Landry of Rome, Ga., and the late Diane Lambert. She was predeceased by her former husband, Dennis Larsen.

She attended Waltham High School and graduated in 1965. Her studies continued at UNH where she received her Bachelor of Arts in 1988.

Her career began at Work Opportunities Unlimited and later, Parent Information Center. She retired from the Moore Center in Manchester, where she worked from February 1990 to January 2010.

She advocated for families with disabled children through family support services, special education and disability rights services. She was a defender of people with disabilities and she was considered a leader in Family Support Services in the State of New Hampshire.

She became the President of the ARC of Greater Manchester which published a disability rights paper, The NH Challenge, for which she wrote a column, "Ask Jan". She became the Executive Director of the paper in 2010. Her work was instrumental to changing laws governing the rights for disabled parents and children.

She was an amazing woman who was larger than life. She had an incredible ability to care for so many people. She was a wealth of knowledge when it came to family support, the special education system, Medicare/Medicaid, and disability rights. She affected many families with her selfless gift of time, kindness, resources, and her understanding of the "system".

She made a lasting impact in the lives of many families. To them, she was a priceless gift that changed the way being disabled is seen in this state. Her goal was to make this world a better place so anyone, disabled or not, could dare to dream and accomplish anything they wanted in life. There will NEVER be anyone like her in this world again.

She is survived by her long time best friend and roommate, Edith Cummings. She was like a daughter to Edith, who has known her since she was 16. She was a sister to Edith's two sons, Mark and Peter Lawton, and her daughter, Pat Gerlt. She is also survived by her three children, Christine Mousseau of Keene, Deborah Thomas of San Angelo, Texas and Michael Larsen of Exeter; her son-in-law, John Mousseau; four grandchildren, Mikayla Mousseau, Ty Thomas, Walter Thomas, and Owen Larsen; many aunts, uncles, cousins, three nieces, two nephews, as well as great-grand nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 28, at 3 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 106 Lowell St., Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NH Family Support Conference, ATTN: Bill Dillon, Community Crossroads, 8 Commerce Dr., Atkinson, NH, 03811.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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March 20, 2021

Coworker

Heather Dunford

I worked with Jan for 10 years. She worked tirelessly to help others and she touched so many lives in a very positive way. She will never be forgotten

March 20, 2020

Ellen Boudreau

Janice was more than professional. She was kind. She cared. She loved. She is missed very much.

April 5, 2013

Richard Landry

The brightest lights go out far too early. Hardly time to have created enough memories of a sister, but each one now recalled becomes infinately more prized. I know you will enjoy Heaven Jan.

April 5, 2013

mary albert

I am so sorry for your loss. Jan Larson was very good to me and my family. she will be missed. mary albert ,jill sean &Michele mikulewicz

April 3, 2013

Heather Dunford

Heather Bartlett
Jan - For decades, you worked tirelessly to help others. You were loved and appreciated by so many and you will be sadly missed. Rest peacefully now and bask in the warmth and love of His perpetual light.

Posted by Heather Dunford

April 3, 2013

Danielle Petrone

Thoughts and prayers go out to Jan's family but also Edie. We are so sorry for your loss and were saddened by the news.
Danielle and Erica

April 2, 2013

Pat MacNeil

My memories of my cousin Jan go back to when we were kids and playing at her home in Waltham, with her cool paper dolls. We shared many fun times at the cottage in Northwood when I would come and stay especially going down to Earl's beach and having a great time.
When we were teenagers we had lots of fun going to the dances at the "Red Barn" in Epsom, and I remember out memorable trip to Hampton Beach and my car breaking down on the way home.
Even though we got busy with our own family lives when we saw or talked with each other it was like we never were apart.
I spent a lot of time in Jan's last month with her and her family & friends that were at her side. I am so glad I was able to be with her daughters, Debbie & Christine and son Michael and met Mikayla and Warren.She was a brave lady and never stopped fighting. I will never forget Jan and her family. Love and miss you Jan.

April 2, 2013

Nancy Wilt

My heart and prayers go out to Jan's family and to Edie. I thought so much of Jan...so many happy memories of getting together at the pool and Sundays at the clubhouse.
GOD BLESS!

April 2, 2013

Thinking of you, Edie. Love Mary Hrubiec

April 2, 2013

Greg, Denise and Matthew Maher

We will miss your smile.

April 2, 2013

Dear Edith & Family,

Please accept our most heartfelt thoughts and condolences regarding the passing of Jan. We are so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Manchester VNA Hospice

April 2, 2013

Jan was one very Special lady & friend..over the years she helped me through many challenges with my dtr and because she cared today my dtr is independant and flurishing..You will be dearly missed Jan...Sharon G

March 29, 2013

Ken Gallant

Janice was a special cousin when we were kids because she was one of the "Big Kids" and we all looked up to her. She was also special because her Mom, my Auntie Eva was very special and I remember going to their house after school in Waltham when my mother was ill and sitting in the kitchen and watching Auntie Eva cook. I always told Auntie Eva that every time I had Pea soup I thought of her...No Kidding!! I remember one time her new coat fell on the floor in the closet and I tried to hang it back up but I was too short to reach the hook so it wasn't hung up properly; Auntie Eva was so angry with Janice but I had to tell Janice it was my fault not hers...funny the things we remember. I was so happy she was able to make it to my Dad's funeral in 2011[he would have been 91 today]and all the "Gallants" were able to sit together at the Chateau and reminisce about the good old days and growing up in Waltham. I hope she is resting in the arms of her Lord and that we all meet again one day. My deepest sympathy to you all. Kenny Gallant

March 28, 2013

Bob & Shirley Carpenter

Our prayers and thoughts are with Edie, her family and Janice's children and grandchildren Bob and I are sorry we could not make it up to say our goodbyes. Janice was definitely "one of a kind, caring lady" and will be missed dearly. Our love and thoughts to you all.

March 28, 2013

pat bolieau

she was a very good friend to me I will miss her very much

March 28, 2013

Linda Quintanilha

Jan always had that sparkle in her eye, always wanting to do more, always surrounding herself with inspiration and hope. Tenacious and passionate in her fight for the civil rights of all people, not just folks who experience disabilities. She knew everyone, had a story to share about every situation that might possibly come up in the advocacy work we do, her love for all of us was a great gift. We miss you.

March 28, 2013

Mary Roberge

Jan's support and caring for everyone will be truly missed.

March 28, 2013

Dave Ramsey

Jan you will surely be missed. Thank you for everything you've done for our family and your mountains of knowledge of the disabilty issues. Thank you also for your dedication to the NH CHALLENGE publication. May you rest in peace.

March 27, 2013

Jan Lehto and Mel Roy

Jan will definitely be missed. She was my saving Grace when I was navigating the "system" with my daughter. She will always have a special place in my heart. I'm so sorry for your loss.

March 27, 2013

Jan was my only support, my son's only advocate for and against the school system for many years. Without Jan it was just me against a roomful of "experts". But she leveled the playing field.Her wisdom and tenacity made her an awesome ally. She attended monthly meeting in my place if the fight got to me. Even when her "job" wasnt providing advocacy at IEP meetings anymore, she always called me and guided me through the maze.I have truly lost a guiding angel here on earth who only wanted the best for all of us.The families, the children, the adults. She always focused on their ability while everyone else saw the disability.I cant imagine how our family would have survived and our son thrived without her. I just hope there is someone at Moore Center carrying on her legacy. She shared our love and vision for our child and she alone made it happen.Missed beyond words.Glad she is at peace.A truly remarkable soul. Jane and Bill and Kevin.

March 27, 2013

Sonja Allard

Jan was a caring lady and very helpful. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Keeping the family in prayer.
Thank you for your help Jan
Thank you to the family for keeping us posted about your mom

Until we meet again Jan.

Posted by Sonja Allard

March 27, 2013

Marji & Charlie Hare

Our deepest sympathy and care to you, Christine, John & Mikala. With love and prayer...

March 26, 2013

Ellen Boudreau

You are dearly missed. Rest in the arms of the angels as we try to carry on without you.

March 26, 2013

susan and Jack Hatfield

janis work is done on this earth but you can be sure she will put her word in heaven. janis will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts are with janis family. Jack and Susan Hatfield

March 26, 2013

Laurie McCray

Sending sincere and deepest sympathy to Jan's family and friends. Jan was a mentor and educator, and supportive friend, to many parents raising children with disabilities, including me. She will be remembered for her advocacy and will be greatly missed by many people throughout the state.

March 26, 2013

peter fleming

I work with jan for many year at the Moore center and part of able nh she will be miss

Love peter

March 26, 2013

Melissa Leavy

I met Jan when she was a student at UNH. I remember her for her dedication, her enthusiasm and her passion to help people in need. In my 30 years of being at UNH, Jan still stands out as one of the top students I enjoyed getting to know.

March 26, 2013

Christine Larsen Mousseau

I miss you Mom, more every day, second, minute, hour more and more. Can't believe that you are really in Heaven. Until we met again and keep looking down at us though the holes in the floor of Heaven. Your granddaughter misses you so very much. You were her best friend.

March 26, 2013

Sherry Valade

Mike,

There are no words that can possibly bring you comfort or ease the suffering of such a great loss. Your Mom was an amazing woman. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is broken for you and I am thinking of you and yours at this difficult time and wishing you the strength you will need in the days ahead. Please call me if you need anything.

March 26, 2013

Sally Douglass

Sympathies to all the family -- especially to Edie.

March 26, 2013

Pete Eldredge

I have known Jan for many years because of her work on behalf of persons with disabilities.
I have always seen her as quiet and fully focused on her work. She will be greatly missed by all who know her but perhaps most by people with disabilities and their families, many of which have never met her but benefited from her work.

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