Janet James Heffernan, 98, of Guilford passed away peacefully on June 17. Janet was born in Hartford on May 12, 1919, to Viola Nelson James and Albert Arnold James of Newington.
She is survived by a sister, Virginia (Ginny) Place of North Haven, and predeceased by a sister, Constance Lingo, brothers Warren, Roger, and Donald James, and a grandson, John Joseph Heffernan.
Janet graduated from Hamden High School and attended Connecticut College in New London. Mrs. Heffernan was predeceased by her husband John Joseph Heffernan. They were married in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1942, weeks before her husband was shipped to the Pacific during WWII. They resided in Branford for many years.
Surviving her is her son Richard J. Heffernan (Katherine) of Guilford, Lynn E. Rohan of Ninety-Six, South Carolina, and Lori Noyes (Kevin) of West Haven. Additionally she leaves grandchildren Ellen Long (Robert) of Madison, John D. Hart (Karen) of West Haven, Brian D. Hart of New Haven, Dennis Thompson (Caitlin) of Old Saybrook, Eric Titus of Branford, Tracy Titus of North Branford, and Jonathan Noyes (Maureen) of Southington. She also leaves nine beautiful great-grandchildren and several nieces and a nephew.
In her later years, she found love and happiness again with her longtime companion, the late Joseph Dymarcyk of Branford. With Joe she enjoyed many years of extended family celebrations with the entire Dymarcyk family.
Janet had many interests and talents. She was a longtime member of the Shoreline Quilters Guild, Willoughby Wallace Quilters, and the Branford Point Homemakers. Her love of quilting and needle arts was a large part of her life in terms of longtime friendships and community service. An avid cook she shared her love of cooking with everyone. Her Boston baked beans were among everyone’s favorites. In Janet’s twilight years she lived an active life at Sachem Hollow in Guilford, where she made many great friends. Janet lived her life by her favorite motto, “ Do all things with Love.” Her family, friends, and all who knew her will remember her for her kindness, positive outlook, generous heart, and smile.
A memorial service was held on June 21 at the First Congregational Church in Guilford. Burial will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guilford Meals on Wheels, 310 State St., Ste. 200, Guilford, or Apple Rehabilitation, Recreation Fund, 10 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT 06437. Arrangements in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.
