Published November 9, 2018

WILMINGTON — Janet L. (Miner) Benard, 64, a resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at Mass General Hospital on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Born on November 7, 1953 in Stoneham, Janet was one of four children of the late Walter C. Miner and Lucy A. (Hermann) Miner. Raised in Melrose, Janet was a freshman at Melrose High School when she met Ed Benard at the Fireman’s Carnival on September 29, 1967. High school sweethearts from MHS Class of 1971, they fell in love and were married in 1974. In 1979, they settled in Wilmington and started a family of two sons.

Janet received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from Boston University, and her master’s in Early Education. She worked for many years as a physical therapist for the Malden Visiting Nurse Association. She aided patients during rehabilitation with her expertise in physical therapy, as well as her kind and likable demeanor. Over her 30-year career, Janet touched many lives with her pleasant yet very instructive therapy sessions throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Janet enjoyed a little adventure from time to time. In her younger years, she loved skiing, tried hang gliding with her brother, rode a motorcycle, and even archery as an adult. She loved summer vacations to the Blue Water Hotel in Yarmouth with her family where she enjoyed relaxing at the beach or pool, windsurfing, or reading a good book.

Most importantly to Janet was her love of her large, extended family. She was adored by all her family members for her cheerful, positive, and easy going nature. She loved to entertain family for all the holidays and events, hosting pool parties, or any special event at their home in Wilmington. Janet’s house was always welcoming, providing unconditional love and acceptance for all. From childhood through her challenges at the hospital, everyone was drawn to Janet with her engaging charm, warm spirit and open heart. Janet was a great source of strength and happiness for people of all ages, especially her husband, children, grandchildren and dear siblings. She will be greatly missed, but the many lives she touched will be her great legacy.

Janet was the beloved wife of Edward R. “Butch” Benard with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Scott Benard and his wife Jessie of Lowell, and Craig Benard and his significant other Megan Baker of W. Palm Beach, Fla. Janet was the dear sister of Bruce E. Miner and his wife Carol of N.H., Nancy L. Perkins and her husband George of Derry, N.H., and the late Steven W. Miner and the caring sister-in-law of Linda Ward and her husband Robert of Andover, Julie Trickett and her husband Michael of Billerica, and the late Greg Benard. She was the cherished grandmother of Brayden Michaud, Scottie Benard and Rowan Benard and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Janet’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Nov. 6 and for her funeral service at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St., Melrose on Wednesday followed by interment at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Gifts in memory of Janet may be made to Mass General Hospital, Attn: Development, 125 Nashua St., Ste. 540, Boston, MA 02114. To leave an online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.