Janice Southworth

Janice (Gabelmann) Southworth, 79, of Torrington, CT passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2024. Throughout her life, she taught us how to focus on the values of family.
Jan was born in Winsted, CT on July 3rd, 1944 to the late Charles and Clara (Parsons) Gabelmann. She graduated from The Gilbert School and for many years helped organize the reunions for her class. She earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Central CT State University. In her career, Jan advanced from a bank teller to a Vice President at Northwest Community Bank. She was a member and at one time the President of the Junior Women's Club.
Jan was a very creative person and enjoyed ceramics, stamping, knitting, crocheting, and also swimming. She made wonderful blankets for her family, always making sure to make one for each child, and even crocheted a "zoo" of animals for the children.
She loved spending time with her family. Her eyes lit up when her grandchildren or great grandchildren were visiting. She enjoyed doing crafts, reading, word puzzles, or tablet games with the children, and on occasion would read books to children at the school.
She had many life-long friends, including letters with a pen pal in England that began in grade school. She also had a love for dogs ever since her parents bought her a dog as a companion, especially for her recent Sheltie, Cody.
Jan is survived by her loving husband Winthrop of 59 wonderful years. She leaves behind her children, Catharine Schaer and husband William of Torrington; her son, Jeffrey Southworth and wife Charlene of Winsted; a brother Maurice "Mo" Gabelmann of Winsted; and sister-in-law, Gloria Gabelmann of Winsted. She has 5 grandchildren; William Jr., Christopher, Alex, Aiden, and Kate, and 5 great grandchildren; Teagan, Sawyer, Noah, Clara and Camryn as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Charles Gabelmann Jr., and sister-in-law Carol Gabelmann.
Montano-Shea Funeral Home 922 Main St. Winsted, CT has care of the arrangements. There will be no calling hours. A celebration of her life will take place at the convenience of the family. Visit an online guest book at Montano-Shea.com.