Janet Ann Shea

Janet Ann Shea, 90, of Portland, Maine (formerly of Tenants Harbor, Maine, and Newton, Massachusetts), died on October 12, 2025, in the three-decker home on Munjoy Hill belonging to her daughter Alice Shea and son-in-law Bruce Davis. Janet faced her recent illness with undeniable courage, humor, and grace, meeting each day with the same spirit that defined her life. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as dear friends, she fearlessly faced death head-on, full of love, conversation, and laughter to the end, faithfully cared for by her beloved dogs Hank and Ella, who rarely left her side.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 14, 1935, Janet was the daughter of James and Mary Lennon. She attended Mission High School in Roxbury, where she was an exemplary student remembered for her intellect, curiosity, and early love of literature. A spelling-bee champion, she showed from a young age her gift for language and her delight in the written word. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and a master’s degree in American Studies from Boston College. At the age of 70, she fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.

During the early years of their marriage, Janet and her husband, John, raised their family in Wellesley and Newton, Massachusetts, while John worked as a civil engineer at Polaroid. Raising five children was no easy task, and life was often hectic and full. Yet even amid the chaos, there was laughter, curiosity, and creativity in abundance. During those years, the Sheas formed a lasting bond with their close friends Diane and Ed Bedrosian and their three children — a friendship that would span more than six decades and include mountain climbs, tennis matches, spirited dinner parties, and both national and international travel, including a very special trip to Ireland for Janet and Diane.

Inspired by the social movements of the 1970s and her belief in women’s shared strength and self-discovery, Janet founded the Consciousness Raising Group: “Who You Are” in 1978. The group consisted of eleven of her cousins, ranging in age from 24 to 44, and remains active 47 years later, a testament to the enduring power of family connection, honesty, and reflection that she nurtured throughout her life.

In 1999, Janet and John moved to Tenants Harbor, Maine, where they ran a cherished bed-and-breakfast called The Pointed Fir. For nearly twenty years, they welcomed guests from near and far, preparing beautiful meals and filling their home with laughter, conversation, and connection. They hosted lively election-night gatherings, Valentine’s Day parties, and impromptu celebrations that reflected their shared belief in good food, good company, and good conversation. Their home was always filled with friends and family.

A devoted reader, writer, and teacher, Janet’s work explored the intersection of the ordinary and the divine. Her essays, articles, and poetry appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, The Witness Magazine, Liguorian, and North Shore Life, and she frequently read her work on Maine Public Radio. She taught writing at Emerson College, Stonehill College, and to workers in recovery at Polaroid, where she helped others find healing and self-expression through language.

Her 2015 poetry collection, Prayers of a Roadside Contemplative, offered meditations on faith, doubt, love, and belonging. Her earlier collection of short stories, Enduring Love, captured humor and hardship in a multigenerational “triple-decker” in Readville, Massachusetts. At the time of her death, she was working on a new poetry manuscript, Marriage and Other Illusions.

In 1984, Janet co-founded a writers’ group with friends Susan Monsky, Carolyn Coman, and Abigail DeWitt, a fellowship that endured for more than forty years. Known for her insight, honesty, and generosity, Janet was both a literary mentor and a steadfast friend. Her wisdom, wit, and elegance made her the heart of every room.

Outside of her writing, Janet delighted in reading, fashion, and spending time with family and friends. She had a sharp eye for style and took great joy in expressing herself through color, fabric, and flair. As she approached her 90th birthday, she laughed and said, “I don’t mind getting old as long as I can have a party and a new outfit.” She was deeply social, cherishing every gathering and conversation. She loved animals and drew daily comfort and companionship from her granddogs Hank, Ella, and Precious, whose devotion and occasional nonsense filled her home with warmth.

Janet was predeceased by her husband John Shea. She is survived by her children Mary Shea and her spouse Waverly Deutsch; William Shea and his spouse Karen Shea; Paul Shea and his spouse Mary Beth Benson; David Shea; and Alice Shea and her spouse Bruce Davis. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Jordan Shea, Katie Shea, and Owen Shea, who filled her life with pride and laughter and her great-grandchildren Louis Shea and Josephine Shea. She is also survived by fifteen nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart and brought her comfort in her final days.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made in Janet’s name to:

● Jackson Memorial Library — by check and mailed to 71 Main Street, Saint George, ME 04860. Please write “In honor of Janet Shea” in the memo. Or by calling 207.372.8961 to donate by credit card. [email protected]

● Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland — by visiting the memorial section of their website at arlgp.org/donate/making-a-memorial-gift

These organizations reflect Janet’s enduring love of learning, community, and care for all living beings.