Janet L. Bourget

HOLDEN - Janet L. Bourget, 45, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 26, 2025, following a medical emergency.

She leaves her twin sister, Jennifer L. Bourget and her husband, Joseph Yaskis of West Boylston; her brother, Jonathan A. Bourget of Holden; her niece and nephew, Julia Gale and Jett Joseph Yaskis of West Boylston; her godson, Aeden Ahern; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Janet was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, George Sr. and Beverly (Peters) Downing, and her paternal grandparents, Thomas and Katherine (Vassar) Bourget, along with several beloved aunts and uncles.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of Albert R. and Gale A. (Downing) Bourget, and was a lifelong resident of Holden. Janet graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1999 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College in 2003.

Janet began her career in law enforcement as an emergency dispatcher for the Town of Princeton. She later served alongside her father and brother as a dedicated Police Officer for the Town of Holden for nearly 20 years, retiring due to line-of-duty injuries. She was a proud member of the Massachusetts Police Association. After her retirement, Janet worked at Dawson Elementary School in Holden, the same school she attended as a child. For many years, she also nannied for the Witt and Siegel families, a role she took great pride in until her passing.

A gifted athlete from a young age, Janet played for Holden Youth Soccer and the Juventus Soccer Club, with a highlight being her competition in the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden. She starred on the varsity basketball and soccer teams at Wachusett Regional High School and later served as captain of the Westfield State soccer team. She shared her passion for the sport as a coach for various organizations, including Holy Name High School, and as a soccer referee. An avid Boston Bruins fan, she frequently attended games with her father. Above all, her greatest joy was her role as "Momtie" to her niece and nephew, whom she loved as her own.

Janet’s Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, January 6th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 7th at 11 a.m. in Heritage Bible Chapel, 182 Brook Station Road, Princeton. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please consider showing support for the family by donating to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-janets-family-after-double-loss