Janet A. (Martin) Simmons, 86
Taught psychiatric nursing; was accomplished artist

ASHBURNHAM - Janet A. (Martin) Simmons, 86, of Ashburnham, died at home in the presence of her family on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007.

She was born on April 10, 1921, the daughter of George and AnnaMae (Shaw) Martin in Worcester. Janet graduated from Classical High School in Worcester. She was an Ensign in the United States Navy in World War II, serving in the nurses corp.

Janet was a graduate of Fitchburg State College and Boston University with graduate degrees in nursing and education and taught psychiatric nursing as an instructor at the former Gardner State Hospital, Fitchburg State College, Boston University, University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and Quinsigamond Community College.

She was the author of two books: "The Nurse-Client Relationship in Mental Health Nursing" and "Meet Mr. Howard, D.E.," a humorous tale of human behavior as seen through the eyes of their pet dogs. This book was written when Janet was 83 years old. Janet and her late husband, Donald H. Simmons, were foster parents for numerous medically involved children for over 25 years. Her beloved husband died in 1991.

She loved the ocean and spent many summers at Cape Neddick and York Beach, Maine. She prided herself on being the first in that cold Maine water each season. She was a woman of strong faith and attended St. Denis Church in Ashburnham.

Janet loved all things Irish and in her later years spent summers on the island of Inis Mor off the coast of Ireland. She could often be seen walking the back roads of Ashburnham with her Irish sweater on a carrying her shillelagh. She was an accomplished classical pianist and artist and has left behind numerous needlework pieces and watercolors with themes of family, love and nature. All her life, Janet had a special bond with her dogs, the most recent being "Mr. Howard" and "Zephyr."

Janet is survived by two sons, George R. M. Simmons and his wife Judith of Ashburnham and James E. Simmons and his wife Pamela of Worcester; two daughters, Anna Mae Martin Ehmann and her husband Evan of Ashburnham and Mary M. Dufour and her husband James of Ashburnham; one step-son, Bruce Simmons and his wife Sylvia of Maine, one step-daughter; Donna Nash and her husband Ron of Maine, a daughterin law; Dale Simmons of Florida, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her stepson, Wayne Simmons of Florida died in 2006 and her grandson, Brian D. Simmons of Ashburnham died in 2003.

Those who wish to remember Janet with a memorial contribution are kindly asked to consider the Sterling Animal Shelter, 17 Laurelwood Rd., Sterling, MA 01564.

Lamoureux-Fletcher Community Funeral Home directed arrangements.