Janet Materese

SPRINGVALE- Janet Averill Materese went home to be the Lord, March 30,2009. She was surrounded by family and loved ones. Janet was born July 22, 1934 in Portsmouth, NH to Burnham and Gladys Averill. A longtime resident of Springvale, she grew up in Portsmouth spent each summer at the beloved family home on Mousam Lake in Acton. Janet was a graduate of the Lynn Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1956, becoming a registered nurse. After graduation she worked in the Boston area. She moved to Springvale in 1963, becoming a geriatrics nurse at the Newton Center, where she worked for more that 30 years. She and her husband, Alfred also owned and operated the Royal Craft Barn in Springvale.Janet was a three time Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Ruth Chapter, #14.After her retirement, Janet enjoyed wintering in Debary, Florida for five years. For many years she hosted inner city children through the Fresh Air Fund.Janet will be remembered for her wacky sense of humor, her deep compassion for all people and animals in need. Most of all, she will be remembered for all of her acts of love and compassion for her children, grandchildren, and friends lucky enough to have had her in their lives. Janet had a heart as big as Mousam Lake, one mile wide and seven miles long! She will be missed more than words can ever express. Janet was predeceased by her parents.As she goes ahead to prepare the way, she is survived by her husband of 52 years, Alfred Materese of Springvale; her son, Stephen Materese of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; her daughter, Elaine Materese Sawyer and her husband, Craig of Springvale. Janet is also survived by her grandchildren; Kristen Janet Materese Boos and her husband James of Dover, New Hampshire; Anglea Materese Greaser and her husband, Dan of Coatsville, PA; Joshua Paul Sawyer and Brittany Gladys Sawyer both of Springvale. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law, June Materese of Orange City, Florida and daughters of the heart, Judy Fortier of Sanford and Sherri Bradstreet of Dixmont, many nieces, nephews and cousins.A celebration of Janet's life will be held on April 11, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Sanford First Baptist Church, 905 Main Street, Sanford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donations to the Janet Averill Materese Memorial Fund, TD Banknorth, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801.Arrangements are through the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. To leave a condolence note for the family, please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.