Janet Stapleford Blaha, a longtime resident of Guilford, passed away quietly on March 19, 2024, at her home in Guilford. She was the wife of the late William Ashman Blaha.

Janet was born in Concord, New Hampshire, on Feb. 6, 1942, daughter to the late Vernon Stapleford and Virginia Spear Stapleford of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. She was the loving mother of Bonnie Blaha of Middletown.

She was an active member and leader of the Appalachian Mountain Club, New Haven Hiking Club, and the Branford Hikers. She loved playing tennis, swimming, skiing, bicycling, hiking, sailing, camping, and paddling canoes and kayaks. She lived a life close to nature and animals, especially cats. She valued being in the outdoors with friends more than material possessions.

Janet was a graduate of Branford High School and received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Southern Connecticut State University. She worked as a physical education teacher in Guilford.

She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Blaha; her sister, June Monahan; and brother-in-law, John Monahan.

Friends were invited to a burial service on April 20 at the Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston Street, Guilford. Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.