Published in the January 25, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Janet Shellenberger, 84, a Wakefield native, died quietly at Bear Hill Nursing Center on January 20, 2019.
Born on October 2, 1934, she was the daughter of Warren and E. Mae Robertson. Janet spent her childhood afternoons sailing along Lake Quannapowitt and was, in fact, the youngest person to contribute money to buy the land where the yacht club now stands.
She graduated from Wakefield High School, Class of 1952, and was a graduate of Simmons College, Class of 1956.
Janet was a life-long teacher. She taught everything from Home Economics at Wakefield High School to various adult education courses. However, her life’s passion was needlework. Working as Director of Retail Needlework for the Women’s Education Union on Boston’s Tremont Street, she helped celebrate their 100th anniversary as the oldest continuous needlework shop in the United States.
As an active Republican, Janet worked alongside her husband, Pete. The two even attended the first Inauguration of President Richard Nixon.
Her volunteer interests included costume design for the Wakefield Quannapowitt Players. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Hartshorne House. When she wasn’t busy with her volunteer activities, Janet loved murder mysteries, gardening and history.
Beloved wife of the late Homer (Pete) Shellenberger, Janet is survived by her three children: Amy Guay and husband, Bryan, of Haverhill; Beth Hylan of Wakefield; and Peter Shellenberger and wife, Susan, of New Boston, New Hampshire; and her seven grandchildren: Amanda, Allison, Nathan, Elizabeth, Molly, Emily and Peter and four great-grandchildren.
There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Janet’s church, the Union Congregational Church of North Reading, in the spring. Notice to follow.
