Janet was born February 6, 1949, in Washington, D.C. She spent her childhood in McLean, Virginia. She graduated with a degree in philosophy from Mount Holyoke College. One week later, she married the person who would be her husband for almost 54 years.
She leaves her husband Robert F. Dore Jr. and four children: Jason S. Dore of Shrewsbury; Benjamin R. Dore, his wife Kyra R. Patterson and their sons Will and Eli of Atascadero, California; Timothy E. Dore, his wife Cailin and their sons Charlie and John of Arlington, Virginia; and Emily C. Dore, her husband Michal Horny and their daughter Louisa of Amherst.Janet is also survived by her sister Catherine J. Smith of Worcester; and her brother Richard E. Smith and his wife Lesley of Hastings, Minnesota.
Janet was co-president of the local PTA. Janet also co-founded the Child Assault Prevention Project of Greater Worcester. She spent hours teaching students how to avoid assault by grownups and what to do if they were assaulted. She also spoke to innumerable school teachers and members of law enforcement about how to recognize an abused child and what to do with that knowledge.
Janet was an accomplished painter who exhibited at ArtsWorcester, the Fitchburg Art Museum, and other venues. She loved museums, the ballet, and the theater. She loved to travel, spending many summers on river cruises with her husband. She read constantly, whether it was the New York Times, Jane Austen, or another favorite book of fiction. She loved good meals and a good glass of wine. She cooked countless delicious dinners that her family will never forget. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She has passed down her kind and giving spirit, her intelligence, her silliness and joy. She will be greatly missed.
In May 2022, Janet and her husband moved to Newbury Court, because she had developed Alzheimer’s. Janet later moved to a secure memory unit, the Gardens, within Newbury Court. She received exceptional care from the staff in the Gardens. There are too many wonderful members of the staff to try to name them all, but we thoroughly appreciate the professional and devoted care they provided to Janet.
A service will be held later.
Instead of flowers, consider donating to the Down Syndrome Program, 125 Nashua St., Suite 821, Boston, MA 02114-1111.
