Janis M. (Darling) Barrett, 86, a long-time resident of Keene died on Saturday, October 1, 2016. She passed peacefully in the comfort of her home with family near.
Janis was born the daughter of the late Muriel (Wheeler) and Burleigh Darling on January 18, 1930 in McIndoe Falls, VT. She attended school in Keene and graduated from Keene High School class of 1947. She then went on in her education attending Vermont Jr. College and Rhode Island School of Design.
On June 12, 1949 she exchanged vows with Aubrey “Toby” W. Barrett. They were married at the Court St. Congregational Church in Keene with family and friends present. Janis and Toby have been married for sixty-seven years.
On March 1, 1950 Toby, Janis, Ellis and Joye Barrett joined in a partnership of the Bretwood Farm on East Surry Rd. That business blossomed into the Bretwood Golf Course in the late 1960’s While farming and raising a family, Janis was a volunteer for 4-H and a painting instructor for the Senior Citizens Center. She was active in the United Church of Christ and the UNH / Cheshire County Cooperative Extension.
Mrs. Barrett is survived by her husband Aubrey “Toby” W. Barrett. Her children; Anne Barrett and her husband Kevin Roentsch, Thomas Barrett and his wife Marcia, Bonnie Shortsleeve and her husband Charles “Chuck”, Hugh Barrett and his partner, Tamara MacAllister and Caren Barrett and her partner Wayne Fulton. Grandchildren; Kyle, Sara, Levi, Brett and Chelso Barrett, Max Barrett-Lhu. Nicholas, Sophie Michelewicz and her husband Daniel Payson and Alina Michelewicz and her husband Mike McDougal. She is also survived by her former daughter in-law, Gina Barrett and son in-law, Gary Michelewicz. In addition she leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Janis is pre-deceased by her daughter, Susan J. Barrett who passed on December 2, 1955.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 11am. in the United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene, NH. 03431. Burial will follow in the family lot at Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Ave. Keene. Donations can be made in memory of Janis D. Barrett to: United Church of Christ Steeple Fund, C/O United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene, NH. 03431 or to: The Charity of One’s Choice. All services are under the direction of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com.
