Janet L. (Lewis) Montgomery

Shrewsbury - Janet Montgomery’s long life was filled with the love of family and friends throughout her ninety-three years. Most notably her biggest fan remained her husband of sixty-nine years, Jay, who lovingly cared for Janet in her later years as the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease took their toll.

Janet died in the comfort of her much-loved home in Shrewsbury on Monday, October 2, 2023. She was 93.

Janet L. Lewis was born on April 26, 1930 in Boston a daughter of the late Chester George Lewis and Catherine (Mitchell) Lewis. Raised in Arlington she was a graduate of Arlington High School with the class of 1947 and then earned her Bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University in 1951. Her teaching career as a home economics educator included the communities of Harwich, Wilmington and Middletown, Rhode Island.

She married Westborough native Jay H. Montgomery on August 28, 1954 in her parish church of Saint Agnes in Arlington and they made their home a short time in Northborough before moving to Shrewsbury in 1969. She traded the classroom for her home in which she and Jay raised and educated their four sons. Janet made their house a home and prepared gourmet dinners and relished in hosting social gatherings through the years. Ten Prospect Street was a wonderful home and filled with neighbors who were lifelong friends. And when they opted to down size they were doubly blessed in their new home on Surrey Lane in a wonderfully caring and friendly neighborhood.

Janet enjoyed membership in the Shrewsbury Historical Society and the Shrewsbury Garden Club as well as being a longtime parishioner of Saint Mary’s Parish. She kept active on the tennis court, skiing, and golf. She was talented with needle and thread and grew to share Jay’s passion for sailing. They took countless trips over the years to their much-loved Nantucket and enjoyed numerous winters in Maui, Hawaii.

In addition to her husband, Jay, she leaves her sons, Dr. Stephen P. Montgomery (Annie Haley) of Jamesville, NY David L. Montgomery (Deana) of Stow, Peter E. Montgomery (Timothy Brennan) of New Boston, New Hampshire and Philip C. Montgomery of Worcester; her grandchildren, Peter Montgomery, Andrew Montgomery (Meaghan), Anna Montgomery and Colin Montgomery (Hannah Wescott); her expected first great-grandchild; her siblings, George ‘Warren’ Lewis (late Margaret) of Popponesset and Betsy O’Donnell (John) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; her sister-in-law, Derreth Kavanagh (John) of Cary, North Carolina; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Janet’s life by gathering on Saturday, October 14th 2023 at Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m.  A private burial in Highland Cemetery, Norwood will follow on Monday. There are no calling hours.

Those wishing to view the broadcast, or recording, of Janet’s funeral Mass please use the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/janet-montgomery

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Worcester Children’s Chorus, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or https://worcesterchildrenschorus.org/

Arrangements by James & John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.