Janet Linda Nixon

Janet Nixon Obituary
Janet Linda Nixon, 81, of Colchester, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Apple Rehab in Colchester; she was a courageous survivor of a devastating stroke that claimed her independence two years ago.
Born on July 16, 1942 in Somerville, MA; she was a daughter of the late John E. Nixon and Maria H. (Dellisola) Nixon. She is survived by her daughters Julie DeSalvo and partner Jay Fontaine, and Elaine DeSalvo; grandsons Justin Coelho and partner Jami Jordan, Jeremy Coelho and partner Kristen Leavitt, and granddaughter Gabriella Soares; great grandchildren Dominic Coelho, Cameron Coelho and Stella Coelho; numerous other family members including beloved cousins, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her beloved brother Gregory Nixon and sister Susan Hyatt.
Janet was always hard working, and determined. She graduated from Walpole High School in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1960. She was accepted to the Mount Auburn Hospital, School of Nursing in Cambridge, MA., but becoming a wife and mother would change her plans to go to college.
In 1978, Janet began an entry-level position in the computer data center at Traveler's Insurance in Hartford, Connecticut. Her family was so proud of her as she worked her way up the ladder. She retired as a very successful Manager after many years of dedication and hard work. After her retirement from Traveler's, Janet worked part-time for a dental office. In her last job she was a receptionist at a local salon. She got to enjoy a few years not working before becoming ill.
Janet had a positive outlook on life and looked on the bright side as much as possible, even in challenging and difficult times. She talked about how important it was to make the best of each day. Her sweet personality and warmth always put people at ease, her smile would make you want to smile back. She was lovely and she was fun. Talking with her was easy. She was always there to listen and share in conversations. Her thoughtfulness and kindness always showed through in everything she did.
She was a faithful, "old school," newspaper reader for her entire life. Though she never got her news from the Internet, she would have her cup of coffee and tune in to NPR on the radio or MSNBC on TV each morning. She was savvy and enjoyed sharing news, and talking about politics. Sometimes it was the latest scientific discovery, or something cool she found out about. She loved to share things she learned with family and friends.
Janet loved to visit her town library. She enjoyed browsing through the books and trying out new authors. One of her favorite writers was Lee Child, author of the "Jack Reacher" series of novels that Janet loved. She liked to share books with her friends and family, and then have fun talking about them afterward.
In the past she enjoyed being creative and loved to do crafts. As a music lover, she was into everything from Eric Clapton to Bob Marley. A recent favorite artist was Adele. She liked to attend concerts and saw shows like the Rolling Stones, Bette Midler, and Santana.
Her love of the ocean began when she was a little girl, vacationing with her family in Gloucester, MA. She also enjoyed Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. She loved to beachcomb and collect sea glass on the shore. She has always been captivated by the ocean, particularly New England waters, especially Newport, R.I.
Janet's life's joy and focus has always been her family. She loved family get togethers and celebrations. She loved to cook and bake and wow her loved ones with her delicious treats and dishes. For her, it was always about togetherness. She had a special closeness with her daughters, she was more than a mom, she was a best-friend too. Her daughter Julie remembers many amazing Scrabble matches that took place since she was a child, and so many fun times just being together. There was always so much to share and talk about.
Janet also made some very special friends along the way, some lifelong, some more recent. They shared a special bond and closeness.
As the matriarch of her family, Janet was always there to care for and guide her loved ones whenever they needed her. Her love and kindness, and gentle ways will always be remembered and cherished in her family's hearts forever. It is difficult for friends and family to imagine life without Janet. She will not be forgotten, and is deeply loved and missed.
A chapel service will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 4 PM directly at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester, CT 06415, followed by calling hours until 7 PM. A private Ash Burial at Sea in Newport, R.I. will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks you please consider a memorial donation made to The American Heart Association.
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