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Janet Wakefield Obituary

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 .

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

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Jun. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Wakefield

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sharon d. jurentkuff

July 12, 2009

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 talked about Janet. I will always keep a special place in my heart for your wonderful mother. Please know how sorry I am for your loss. Sharon Devenger Jurentkuff

June 30, 2009

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.

Not only was she the most interesting to speak with ... She always dressed so nicely and paid attention to having fun too..her earrings, necklaces and pins always added flare to her outfit. She was so excited when she got her yellow Mustang convertible ..I think she was 80 then!! Wow! What Joie de vive!

We were both very saddened by her passing. Breakfast at the Danville Inn will NEVER be the same.

You had an amazing lady as a relative…you are very lucky.

If you could all hold a big piece of her in your lives it would be a definite benefit to you and those around you. She had spunk and a character that would grace any person and community.

As much as anyone, Janet symbolized the heart of Danville. Her dedication to the community was amazing and inspired others to follow suit. She will be extremely missed by all.

We loved her! We regret that we could not be at her Memorial Service but, Jamie was under general anesthesia in the hospital and we could not make it. Please know our thoughts are with you all.

Really and truly,

Candis and James Leopold
227 Three Island Rd
Colchester, VT 05446

formerly of Danville

Jimmy & Susie Brinkley

June 22, 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.

Kathie (Yoder) Ainsworth

June 22, 2009

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

June 22, 2009

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.

Greg MacDonald & Penny Kimball

Phillip Goss

June 22, 2009

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.

June 22, 2009

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 21, 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

Denise Manahl-Priest

June 19, 2009

My husband and I met Janet on a trip years ago to the Danville Inn. Her zest for life and unique way of looking at things were wonderful. I'm sure she touched many lives in the way that she touched ours. She will be missed.

Jeannie Clermont

June 19, 2009

Hi. I knew Janet from working at Marty's. Her yellow Mustang made me laugh and her sensible car for the winter. She always had a smile and made us laugh. We will miss her and are grateful we got to know her.

Beverly Lynch

June 19, 2009

Janet was my best friend, but I don't think I was her best friend. I only lived in Danville about 13 years but it is as if I spent my whole life there. Even though my husband and I lived on 4 continents, I always knew I could find Janet in Danville and would stay in touch with her.When we were in the North East Kingdom we would take her to lunch or dinner at the Creamery or the Danville restaurant. Janet would warn us of the perils of daring to eat Kate's maple cream pie and offer to eat part of it to protect our arteries.Thanks for the memories, Janet.

Bev Ingalls Lynch, Brattleboro.

Rolf Woodard

June 19, 2009

I had the honor of meeting your loved one during Kate and Joe's wedding and found her to be a pleasure and joy to be around. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you during your time of loss.
Pastor Rolf Woodard Asheville, NC

June 19, 2009

I have such fond memories of your mom, especially she and Megan chatting away at the "D.R." when Meg was tiny. Our deep sympathy and best regards.

Anne Jacobs & Megan Maynard

Sonya Downing

June 19, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She is such a memorable women. My thoughts are with all of you.

June 19, 2009

Deepest sympathies to the family. A friend, Charlotte (Charlie)Achilles

Edwards OBoyle

June 19, 2009

Deepest sympathy for the passing of a great lady

Debbie Brown

June 19, 2009

Stephen and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing, I work at the Vt State Employee Credit Union and for many years have had wonderful conversations with your mother over the phone she was a delightful lady and will be greatly missed.

CHASE Card Services

June 18, 2009

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

The Staff of Chadwick Funeral Service

June 18, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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