I always looked forward to seeing my Aunt Janet when our families got together. The middle of Dad’s three younger sisters, Jan was not one to get lost in the shuffle.

Born on August 4, 1934, Janet grew up knowing not everyone receives the gift of robust health. Of her mom‘s nine pregnancies (including a set of twins), only five survived. Grandma struggled with anemia those years and spent some time in the hospital.

I’ll always wonder if those early years directed Jan’s career choice.

Jan’s “capping ceremony” was on March 1, 1953. Grandma mailed photos from the ceremony to Dad, who was overseas during the Korean conflict.

Here’s a notice in the Boston Globe about Jan’s “capping ceremony,” as the students prepared for their hospital training:

Janet’s older sister, Jean, took this next photo during the ceremony. Grandma’s note to Dad on the back indicates Jan was at the altar when this photo was snapped.

Here’s a photo of Dad with Jan a few years later. He was back from Korea and a new father.

Janet went on to become a surgical nurse for an Ob/Gyn in Lowell by the name of Dr. Hugh Mahoney. She enjoyed her job thoroughly and respected Dr. Mahoney as a physician and as a person.

But all that changed on New Year’s Eve 1975.

Dr. and Mrs. Mahoney and their youngest child were brutally murdered at their home that evening. Their three daughters were not home at the time, thankfully, and survived.

For six months, police tried to piece together what had happened. Finally, a grand jury was called, followed by a trial and prison terms for the guilty. It was a home burglary that turned into a violent, senseless triple murder. Gang members, looking for money and items to pawn.

Janet mourned the Mahoneys for years to come. She continued to work as a surgical nurse, but it was never the same. Dr. Mahoney was like a second father to her.

Janet’s deep sense of responsibility wasn’t limited to her work as an RN. She cared for her aging parents and sister Barbara for many years.

A die-hard Red Sox fan, Janet was quick with a grin and a witty response when other relatives rooted for the Yankees. Yes, she was born in Utica, New York, and spent some childhood years in New Haven, Connecticut, but Lowell, Massachusetts, was her hometown.

Jan loved to travel. I remember many “wish you were here” postcards from Hawaii over the decades. Europe, too.

She was also an avid reader. And her knitting netted professional results. My hippie ponchos from the ’60s were authentic!

Dad remembers Janet for her intelligence and her spirit of independence.

Sadly, Jan passed away in 2016.

As National Nurses Week winds down during this time of pandemic, we honor all nurses, past and present, for their tireless devotion to others.

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