Janice Louise Beal

Janice Louise Beal (Boucher), 86, passed away on October 18, 2024, at Pleasant View Center in Concord, NH. She was born on March 16, 1938, the daughter of Ena and Wilfred Boucher. After graduating from Westbrook High School, she married Roger H. Beal of Windham, Maine. Together, they raised five children in Concord, NH, and enjoyed a 63-year marriage before his passing in 2020.

Janice was a member of the Unitarian Church, chairing several committees and singing in the choir for 20 years. She also worked part-time as a pharmacy technician and was a proud Girl Scout and Brownie leader for several years, a role she shared with her close friend, Al Sinotte.

When Janice and Roger's children were young, the family often canoed down local rivers and vacationed at a camp on Little Sebago Lake, Gray, Maine. Later, they purchased a small sailboat and spent time on Lake Winnipesaukee. Sailing became a favorite activity, with Roger at the boat's helm and Janice the trusty crew member. The couple met many life-long friends through the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club and participated in some not-so-serious racing regattas. They also embarked on several ocean expeditions aboard a rented sailboat along the British Virgin Islands, returning with intriguing and harrowing stories to tell. On winter days, they enjoyed downhill skiing and snowshoeing.

Before Roger retired, the couple moved to Hong Kong for two years. Janice immersed herself in the culture while Roger taught computer science to gifted IBM students. She made friends, explored Lantau Island, learned some Cantonese words, and gained a deep appreciation for Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage and cuisine. When they returned to the States, she and Roger moved to Hopkinton, NH. They settled into a quiet country home with a serene backyard and pond, perfect for wildlife-watching and the inspiration for many of Janice's acrylic paintings.

She was a long-time artist, writer, avid gardener, talented home cook, quilter, antique doll designer, New London Barn Playhouse enthusiast, and Boston Red Sox fan. Known to be multi-talented, she could pick up a hammer as easily as a paintbrush, sewing needle, or jar of oregano. She also seamlessly evolved into a beloved grandmother who inspired her grandchildren to appreciate nature, antiques, and live theater. She planned fun activities, teaching them to make crafts from everyday objects, play the piano, stir a cake batter, paint on a canvas, and barter at the local Flea Market. More than anything, she taught them about kindness. Janice had a warm smile, a joyful spirit, a good sense of humor, and a gentle way about her.

She is survived by her sister, Donna Melvin of Norfolk, VA; five children, Katherine Ruben and her husband Byron, of Merrimac, MA; Ruth Sullivan of Concord, NH; Lisa Robitaille and her husband Jeffrey of Manchester, NH; Elaine Howes and her husband Robert of Strong, ME, and Kenneth Beal of Marietta, GA; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Windham Hill Cemetery, Windham, Maine, on November 9th at noon.