Janet Wakefield Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Danville, Vermont

JANET WAKEFIELD DANVILLE - Janet Wakefield passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 16, at her home in Danville. She was born the second daughter of Delmer and Gladys (MacDonald) Smith on Sept. 4, 1923, in Danville, Vt. She attended the former Phillips Academy in Danville and was one of the first to graduate from the new Danville High School. She also graduated from Burdette College in Boston, Mass. Janet had worked for the Vermont Department of Social Welfare for over 30 years, retiring as Office Manager in St. Johnsbury in 1985. Janet worked tirelessly in Danville wherever there was a need and served on multiple boards and committees. She was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Order of the Eastern Star, Danville Historical Society, Danville Green Cemetery Association Trustee, The Red Hat Society, Danville Congregational Church - UCC, Ladies Aid and The Open Door. She also volunteered at the Danville School and helped raise funds for the annual Thanksgiving dinner at Covenant House in New York City. Janet was a devoted fan of the Danville School sports teams and could frequently be found in the bleachers at the basketball games, cheering the teams on in her "lucky leather pants." Janet was married to Richard Wakefield in 1949. She was predeceased by her husband Richard and by her sister Sarah Keene. She is survived by her son Stephen (Christine) Wakefield of Danville and her grandchildren, Jessica of Oklahoma City, Okla., Zachary (Jenny Eckholdt) of Eagle River, Alaska, Kate Brinkley (Joseph) of McKinleyville, Calif. and Eliza of Danville, Vt. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, June 22, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the Danville Congregational Church, followed by a graveside service at the Danville Green Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in her name may be sent to the Danville Rescue Squad, 379 Brainerd St., or the Danville Congregational Church, P.O. Box 161, both Danville, VT 05828. To sign an online guest book, please visit www.chadwickfuneral service.com .

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Dear Steve and Family,
My parents, Bud and Marge Devenger, were friends of your parents for many years. My Dad passed away in 1992. My Mother lost her son, Demmy, in a tragic automobile accident in 1994. She suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, and lived until Sept, 2000. Your mother, Janet, sent my mother a card once a month for 6 years. Words are not adequate to express my appreciation for her kindness. It gave my mother such pleasure and I always got a smile from her when we...

sharon d. jurentkuff

July 12, 2009 | Vienna, VA

June 29, 2009

To Janet’s Family:

My husband Jamie Leopold and I loved Janet. She was a blast of sunshine and whit. She always said exactly what she was thinking and made sure that her opinion was heard. We loved being invited to sit with her at the Danville Inn and Restaurant and we also loved inviting her to sit with us. She knew and had worked with Jamie’s father Jonathan Leopold and because of that shared many fond memories during breakfast at the Inn.

June 30, 2009

Steve and Family,
We met Janet last year at Kate and Joe's wedding, her zest for life was a great inspiration to us. She was truly a great lady. Our prayers are with you during this time.

Jimmy & Susie Brinkley

June 22, 2009 | Asheville, NC

Janet will be remembered always. She made Danville what it is today!!

Kathie (Yoder) Ainsworth

June 22, 2009 | Sanford, NC

Steve and Family,

Although I only met your Mum on a couple of occassions the stories that I have heard would lead me to believe that she led a rich,fun-filled,and rewarding life. We should all be so lucky. As the time passes and the pain of grief subsides,know that she will still bring a smile to your face with the memory of her life well-lived. She really hasn't gone anywhere, it is just that the relationship is a little different. You are in our thoughts during this time.

June 22, 2009 | St. Johnsbury Center, VT

I have the fondest memories of your mother and how she protected me as the Director of the Welfare office. A few days after I arrived, a sign went up by her desk, "We never did it that way before." She was a pleasure to work with.

Phillip Goss

June 22, 2009 | St. Johnsbury, VT

Steve and Family,

Sorry to hear about your mom. I just found out Monday morning. News just doesn't travel down to us very quickly. Gina and I offer our sincere condolences.

tony and Gina Pare, Bennington, Vt.

June 22, 2009

I've known Janet since we both lived on Railroad Street in Danville. She made many contributions to life in Danville, and will be greatly missed.
Mary Ide Swainbank

June 21, 2009

Steve and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Brown & Scott Shafer

June 21, 2009 | St. Johnsbury, VT

Janet Wakefield

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