Janice Eva Major

Portland, ME- Janice E. Major died on November 21, 2025 of health complications from a fall. She was born in Kennebunk on November 14, 1931, the daughter of Don Chamberlin Sr. and Edna Lank Chamberlin. She credited the high school band with sustaining her with interest enough to graduate from Kennebunk High. She moved to Portland and worked for 45 years at General Electric, Coca-Cola, J. Weston Walch Publishing, and the Portland Public Schools. She married John Major of Portland, and together, they raised their children in North Deering. In 1986, she retired to become a full-time caregiver for three of her grandsons, and eventually, for her husband. Following his death in 2002, she moved to Scarborough and began an entirely new chapter of her life. She hosted an AM radio program, attended a weekly meet-up of organ players, and when they lost their venue, she hosted the group in her home. She volunteered at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, providing music for residents. On cruise ships for fellow organists, she met dear friends with whom she corresponded for years. She also took up painting and continued her interests in needlepoint, knitting, and writing poetry. A fiercely independent person, Janice lived alone in Scarborough until December 2024, when a fall forced her to move to Fallbrook Commons. The staff there provided excellent care, sustaining her hopes of recovery through three surgeries and much therapy. She enjoyed visits from family and friends, and the occasional Italian sandwiches that they brought. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, John, and her siblings Don Jr., Louise, Ted, and Edna. She is survived by her children, Janice Lorello (Stephen), Michael, and Tom (Jennifer), her grandchildren, Stephen Lorello (Ric), Andrew Lorello (Donna), Sarah Sullivan (Richard), Daniel Major (Kelly), Nathan Major (Julia), and Noah Major (Alexandra), seven great-grandsons, countless nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, please spend a little extra time with loved ones. Also, a prayer or two wouldn’t go amiss.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Janice’s online guest book.