Janice Marie Macdonald

She had lived in the northern outskirts of Concord, New Hampshire, for many years. Jan was a homebody, and enjoyed nothing more than a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s day, looking out her kitchen window at the snow coming down.

Janice Marie was born at Boston Lying-In Hospital April 21, 1950, the first of seven children born to John and Doris Ryan. The family first lived in West Roxbury, then moved to Belmont, and eventually to South Natick in 1957, where Jan attended Natick schools. Jan graduated Natick High in 1968, then spent several years working and living in Boston. She cherished her independence, and made several lifelong friends during this period. In 1975, Janice married Allan Macdonald, and they welcomed their son, Ryan. The family lived in Chelsea, Mass for several years. After daughters Jessica and Allyne came along, they moved their family to Henniker, New Hampshire in 1986.

While her children were growing up, Jan worked as a teacher’s aide at Cogswell Memorial Middle School. For many years, she worked at the Pleasant View Retirement Community in Concord as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medicine Tech, where she was known for her strong work ethic and positive attitude. Jan was always upbeat, even when things were not going well. She endured illness with good humor, and adversity with aplomb. An indulgent grandmother, she loved buying gifts for her grandchildren, seeing the delight on their faces as they unwrapped them. We will miss her cheerful demeanor, and her lively contributions to any family gathering.

Jan is survived by her ex-husband Allan Macdonald; their three children, Ryan John, Jessica Elizabeth, and Allyne Anne and her partner Joseph Pelletier; siblings Rick and Cindy Ryan, Susan Goodspeed, Nancy Ryan and Nigel Sparks, Kevin and Pam Ryan, Ruthanne Ryan and Jackie Ryan; grandchildren Jada Cordy and her partner Dakwan Williams, Raeleanna Macdonald and her partner Malcolm Jean Paul, Rajah Haith, Jackson and Hunter Pelletier; and great grandchildren, Ja’Quan and Zyaire Williams. Also many nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Jan.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday, January 28, 1:00-3:00 followed by a celebration of Jan’s life at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main St., Concord, NH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Hampshire SPCA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettfuneral.com for the MacDonald family.