HAVERHILL: Janet E. (Gavin) Pelletier, 81, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2015 surrounded by her family, after a brief illness.
Janet was born in Haverhill to Mary Katherine (Melody) and Joseph Gavin. She lived her entire life in Bradford, MA and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Lowell State Teachers College, now the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s degree from Salem State College. Janet was married in 1955 to Laurence C. Pelletier, of Methuen, who predeceased her in 1991.
Mrs. Pelletier, as she was known to over a thousand students who passed through her elementary school classrooms, began her teaching career in Plaistow, NH, where she taught for four years. Janet then continued her love of teaching in the Haverhill School System for over 50 years, teaching mostly at the Wood and Cogswell Schools before retiring in 2009. On innumerable occasions throughout her daily life she was approached by former students and parents who introduced themselves and thanked her for her influence on their life.
Janet enjoyed retirement almost as much as teaching and found the most life joy spending time with her family as well as continuing her avid traveling. She was a charitable and religious woman who was an active member of All Saints Church. As her final gift of charity, she donated her remains to Harvard Medical School for research purposes.
Janet leaves behind her son, Larry Pelletier and his fiancé, Judy Ravech of Needham; two daughters, Jennifer and her husband, Tony Onofaro of Haverhill and Jessica Pelletier of Bradford; a niece, Mary Bradley and her fiancé, Joe LaRosa of Haverhill; seven grandchildren, USAF First Lieutenant Tawny Pelletier of San Antonio, Haley, Michael, Kayla and Ashley Onofaro all of Haverhill, Grace and Emma Pelletier of Bradford and grand-nephew, Shain Bradley of Haverhill. She was also predeceased by four sisters, her twin, Anne Lobao, Mary Simmons, Peggy Gallagher and Helen Kelleher and four brothers, David, Donald, William and Joseph Gavin.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, June 17, from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Linnehan Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. at the All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Haverhill Public Library, Marian E. Boutin Children’s Collection, 99 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. Marian Boutin was a dear friend and colleague of Janet’s throughout her teaching career.