Janet F. Jenney

Janet F. Jenney, 95, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Edmund and Catherine Ferry, and beloved wife of the late David S. Jenney of Mattapoisett.

Janet, known by her friends and family as Jan, was raised in West Roxbury Massachusetts and spent every summer in a cottage at Crescent Beach in Mattapoisett. Her favorite childhood memories were of sledding in the street near her house in Boston and sailing the sweet breezes of Mattapoisett. She graduated from Wheelock College and taught grammar school children in the City of Boston School System. 

Jan met the love of her life, David, while racing Herreshoff-12 sailboats on Buzzards Bay in Mattapoisett. Their lifelong love for the water and sailing brought them together first as racing opponents while crewing for her father, then racing partners, and finally as husband and wife in 1953. Throughout their 65 years of marriage, their love for each other was deep, pure, and incredibly inspiring to their family and friends. David and Jan raised three children in Stratford, CT where David worked at Sikorsky Aircraft, and spent every summer in their favorite beachside town of Mattapoisett. The summers were filled with sailing, swimming, and enjoying family time sharing stories and lunches around the picnic table.

Jan was selfless and always thought of others before herself. She was an amazing mother who juggled three children, two cats, and a beagle while making it all look easy. An exceptional cook, every Sunday after church included family dinner enjoying the fruits of her labor. Jan and David were very active in their Congregational Churches in both towns where they lived. They shared a love of music and were loyal members of the church choirs as well as being active in many church groups and committees. Jan and David sponsored many children across the world as part of Plan International USA. They were also part of the "Big Brothers/Big Sisters" program mentoring a child for many years. Jan enjoyed gardening and being involved with the Garden Club and Women's Club in both Stratford and Mattapoisett. In Stratford, she volunteered at the hospital delivering flowers to patients.

Jan loved to spend time with her four grandchildren and great-grandson while playing at the beach, traveling to local adventures, creating fun snacks, teaching them how to weed the garden and sharing her joy life and importance of family. Jan lived each day to the fullest, loved with all of her heart and believed each day was a gift....

She is survived by three children, Laurel Carlson of North Attleboro, MA, Faith Ball of Mattapoisett, MA, and John Jenney and his wife Diana of Southbury, CT, her four grandchildren, Catherine Ball of Mattapoisett, MA, Samantha Ball of Charleston, SC, Spencer Jenney of Southbury, CT, Ashley Ghent and great-grandchild Jonathan Nunez of Stratford, CT.

Her visiting hours will be held on Friday April 24th from 4-7 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday April 25th at 11 am at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church at 27 Church St. Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to Plan International USA, PO Box 9747, Providence, RI 02940-9420 https://www.planusa.org