Janet H. Rowe

Janet Hancock Rowe, 86, of Portland passed away June 7, 2012 at Springbrook Center with family by her side. She was born in Portland on July 31, 1925 a daughter of the late Orland and Mildred (Mead) Mayberry. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond E. Rowe who passed away in December of 1994.

She graduated from Portland High School and Northeastern Business College and attended U of Maine.

Janet worked at Haven's and Maine Central Railroad when she was younger then raised her children. Later she worked for several doctors and retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a claims investigator.

Janet was a past member of Central Square Baptist Church where she was a Deaconess and was a member of the choir. Subsequently she was a member of the Royal Ridge Church of God with her husband, Ray. She was active in Tres Dias, Faith at Work, and Greater Portland Christian Women's Group. She and her husband sang with the AMHI Singers. She had a very strong faith her entire life.

She traveled extensively. She visited Europe, primarily Germany. She toured Israel, Jamaica, Bermuda and Vancouver and cruised Alaska among other places.

Janet was very active with her grandchildren who all adored her. She had many hobbies, and interests including baking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, playing the piano, racquetball, boating and socializing with her many, many friends, She enjoyed road rallies and riding motorcycles when she was younger. She was member of "Club", a very close group of 12 women who became friends in high school and got together every month at one another's homes until they were into their 80's. All of the members' children grew up with each other.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff at Springbrook for their loving care and understanding ways. She was truly blessed to have you in her life.

Janet is survived by her older brother Gerald Mayberry, children and step-children: Lawrence Hancock and wife Tam of Saco, and their children, Lori Hancock of CO, Sherri Hancock of Saco and Sarah Hancock and fiancé' Greg Gies of Westbrook and Hung Nguyen and Annie Duong of Saco, daughter Candace Hancock and Robert Gilding of Windham and their children, Vanessa Medrano and husband Ernie of TX, Justin Standley and Jenna Delorme of Biddeford, Corey Gilding of Casco. Her step children: Dr. Dennis Rowe and wife Lorraine and children, Catherine, Amy and Tony of FL, Susan Rowe and husband Carl Guignard of Lewiston and their children, Charles and wife Kate, Marie of Lewiston and Melissa of Presque Isle and several great and great-great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a time of Visitation from 3-7 pm Monday June 11, 2012 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland. A Graveside service will be held 11 am Tuesday June 12, 2012 at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Congress St. Portland, ME

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Janet's memory to The Alzheimer's Association 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472 or The Westbrook Humane Society/Animal Refuge League 449 Stroudwater Street, Westbrook, Maine 04092

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Janet's guestbook.