Joan M. (Blackler) Janes, 68, of the Bradford section of Haverhill, died Saturday, April 21 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill after a courageous battle with cancer.Born in Norwood, she was the daughter of the late, Henry C. and Eda (Sodano) Blackler. Educated in Danvers, she was a graduate of Danvers High School, Class of 1961. Furthering her education, Joan received her Bachelors degree from Salem State College and her Masters degree in Education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.A devoted teacher, loved by her students, she taught at North Reading High School for her entire thirty-six year career, retiring in 2002. Having a tremendous zest for life, always giving of herself, to her faith, family, and community, she was involved as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, she volunteered at the M. S. P. C. A. in Methuen, and the Merrimac River Feline Rescue Society. She served as President of the Ski Bee’s Ski Club in North Conway, and was the founding Commodore of the Parker River Yacht Club.She leaves her beloved husband of twenty-five years, Frederic L. Janes, of Bradford, a brother, Henry Blackler, of Woffard Heights, CA, two nephews, Eric Blackler, of Marino Valley, CA, Scott Blackler and his wife, Stephanie, of Colorado Springs, CO, a niece, Cherie Weber and her husband, Jason, of Clovis, CA, great nephews, Justin Blackler and Bradley Weber, and a great niece, Allison Blackler, two uncles, Walter Sodano, and William Stewart. She was the beloved friend of Carolyn Harris.Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of Joan’s life on Saturday, April 28, at 1:00 PM in the First Presbyterian Church, 346 Broadway, Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the M.S.P.C.A., 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844, or the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, 63 Elm St. Salisbury, MA 01952. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. (Rte 125) Haverhill.
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