Janice Ellen Pelletier

Born on February 19, 1951, in Portland, Jan was the youngest daughter of Thomas and Virginia Perham. She grew up surrounded by love and laughter, especially from her older sisters, Carole Perham of Portland and Donna Sadler of Topsham. She remained best friends with her sisters throughout her life, and their bond was unbreakable. Jan also shared a deep, sister-like friendship with her cousin, Candy Perham of Long Island, New York. Whether it was Friday night dinners, summer getaways to Boothbay and Rockland, or adventures in Quebec, Jan cherished the time spent with them.

Jan graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a degree in education and went on to dedicate her career to the Portland Public School system. She was known for her gentle warmth, her generous heart, and the loving spirit she brought to every classroom. Her impact on her students and colleagues was profound and lasting.

Above all, Jan found her greatest joy in being a mother to her two daughters, Lynn and Stacey. She poured her heart into raising them, and her love, humor, and strength shaped their lives in countless ways. Becoming a grandmother brought her endless happiness. She adored her grandchildren—Hannah, Jaxon, Zoe, and Cooper—and found deep fulfillment in watching them grow. Her face lit up in their presence, and her love for them was boundless.

Jan enjoyed quiet moments in her garden, peaceful afternoons floating in her pool, and any time spent surrounded by family. Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a proud and active member of St. John’s Parish and later Holy Cross Church in South Portland.

Even as Alzheimer’s took many of her memories, Jan never forgot the people she loved most. Her daughters remained at the center of her world, and her kind, comforting, and humorous spirit continued to shine—endearing her to staff and fellow residents at her memory care facility. She was deeply loved, both before and after her diagnosis.

Jan now joins her beloved parents, Thomas and Virginia Perham, whom she missed dearly. She is survived by her daughters, Lynn Corbett and her husband Scott of Westbrook, Maine, and Stacey Pelletier of Auburn, Maine; her cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Jaxon, Zoe, and Cooper; her sisters Carole and Donna; her nephews, Scott and Michael Sadler; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Jan’s legacy is one of unwavering kindness, generosity, and love. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire resilience, compassion, and joy in all who knew her.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation on Tuesday, April 8, from 2 pm – 4 pm followed by a a Celebration of Life Service at 4pm at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A reception at Jones, Rich and Barnes will follow the Celebration of Life Service.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to leave condolences for the Pelletier family and sign Janice's online guest book.