Janet Schofield

Janet A. Schofield

NARRAGANSETT - Janet Schofield, 79, of Narragansett, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024 surrounded by her loving husband and daughters. Born in Concord, Massachusetts on September 5th , 1945, she was the loving daughter of the late John and Jessie (Reska) Dzerkacz. Janet was the devoted wife of Harold Harry Schofield of Narragansett, RI for 55 years.

Besides her husband, Janet is survived by her two daughters, Christen A. Ryan of Narragansett, RI, Karen M. Nelson of Lakeville, MA, son-in-law Matthew Nelson of Lakeville, MA plus four grandchildren, Benjamin Nelson, 16, and Caroline Nelson, 14, both of Lakeville, MA, and by Zachery Ryan, 11, and Lola Ryan, 9, both of Narragansett, RI. Janet was predeceased by her brother, John Dzerkacz, of Fitchburg, MA, and leaves five siblings, Mary Zocchi of Hopkinton, MA, Frank Dzerkacz of Maynard, MA, Catherine Paterson of NorthWoodstock, NH, Patricia Petkauskos of Lancaster, MA and Anne Manning of Maynard, MA.

Janet graduated from Rose Hawthorne High School in Concord, MA. Janet and Harry first met working at MIT Lincoln Laboratory in the 1960's. Married in 1969, Janet and Harry moved to Narragansett, RI in 1972 when Harry accepted an engineering position at Gulton Industries in East Greenwich. In 1986, Janet and Harry created, Atlantek, Inc. an engineering and manufacturing business in the Wakefield Mill Complex on High Street in Wakefield, RI. Janet was instrumental in the company's success. As the business grew, they acquired the Wakefield Mill Complex on High Street, where Janet became the manager of Old Mill Properties.

Janet was a fabulous cook and a generous and joyful family matriarch. Janet was known amongst her family as The Cruise Director with her take-charge attitude. She loved entertaining her family and grandchildren, who became the center of her and Harry's lives. After successfully building and selling Atlantek, and subsequently the Wakefield Mill, Janet and Harry enjoyed two decades of retirement with their family. Family time, and time with friends, was Janet's most cherished activity. She loved spending summers on Narragansett Town Beach, winters at their home near Loon Mountain in NH, and fall and spring at their home in Sedona, AZ. Janet reveled in treating her grandkids to adventures in the great Southwest, which included many trips to the Grand Canyon.

Janet's many friends appreciated her humor, intelligence, positivity, and courage, but most of all her kindness. Janet would help anyone in need, and with her characteristic practicality she would provide a solution for their problem. She was big-hearted and greatly loved by many.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 4-7pm in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, 02879. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 10am in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett.

Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, George Schaeffer St., Peace Dale. Reception tofollow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Janet Schofield's memory to The Carter Center, One Copenhill, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307-1496. For guest book andcondolences, please visit averystortifuneralhome.com.