Janet Buker Lanphear

Janet Ruth Buker Lanphear, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, November 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. Just shy of her 88th birthday, she left behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and joy. Born on November 9, 1936, in Stowe, Vermont, to Andrew and Phyllis Buker, Janet was the third of five children.
Growing up in Stowe, Janet shared a close bond with her siblings and cherished memories of childhood matinees, roller skating, and playing music. At the age of eight, her family moved to a farm in Morristown, where her strength and independence helped her overcome adversity.
Janet met her late husband, Rodney "Pete" Lanphear, as a teenager, and they were married on April 22, 1953. They raised six children on their dairy farm and Janet devoted herself to her family, often sewing clothes, providing warm meals, and creating joyful memories, whether skating, swimming, or attending Elvis Presley movies. She embodied a zest for life, filling the home with music, laughter, and dancing.
With Janet's determination, she pursued and achieved her GED, later earning an associate degree in Secretarial Science from the Community College of Vermont, awarded through a Green Mountain Business and Professional Women's scholarship. Janet began working, first in school cafeterias, then as a secretary and assistant in various roles, including Lamoille County Court House, Vermont Farm Bureau, Leo's Small Engines and Morristown and Lamoille Union schools.
Janet's heart was in her community, as she volunteered tirelessly for the Cancer Walk, church activities, the Charity Rebekah Lodge, The Oddfellow Lodge, the Hospice Choir, and as a dedicated blood donor. Her compassionate service was recognized with a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Lamoille County Natural Resources Conservation District. She found community in various groups, including the Lamoille County Players, the Morris-Tones Barbershop singing group, the Puffer Methodist Church Choir, and the Red Hat Society. She was instrumental in establishing the Lamoille River Swingers square dance club.
Known for her vibrant spirit, Janet loved music and would fill the home with song, dance, and guitar tunes, passing on a love of harmony to her children. She had a deep appreciation for movies, travel, and concerts. After Pete's passing in 2013, one month following their celebration of 60 years of marriage, she carried on with remarkable strength, supported by her loving family and friends.
Janet's life is celebrated by her family, friends, and community who will cherish her memory forever. She is survived by her children, Glory Lanphear of Frederick, Maryland, Doreen Farquharson of Morrisville, Sharon (Robert) Sylvester of Swanton, Joni (Mike) Lanphear-Paritz of Morrisville, Peter Lanphear of North Troy, and Penni (Jeff) Lanphear-Rochette of Eden Mills; eight grandchildren, Charity, Gregory, Amber, Gwendolyn, Loren, Stephanie, Sydney and Taylor; eight great-children, Brennan, Evan, Aurora, Emily, Logan, Gavin, Rylee and Harper. Janet leaves her brother Ted of Morrisville and her sister Joan of Denison, Iowa, and numerous nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Phyllis, husband Pete, and brothers Robert and William.
In recent years, Janet struggled with health challenges due to severe osteoporosis, but she maintained her courage and resilience, supported lovingly by her children, Glory, Sharon, Joni and Penni, who cared for her in her final months at home. Special thanks to Cheri Holton, NP, Dawn Lefevre, Nicole Mitchell and the rest of the staff at Lamoille County Home Health & Hospice, who helped keep Janet comforted.
Janet's family and friends remember her as a woman of remarkable strength, humor, and generosity. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Morrisville VFW Post #9653 from 2-4p.m. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Lamoille County Playhouse, P.O Box 9, Hyde Park, VT 05655; or Lamoille Home Health & Hospice, 54 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, VT 05661.