Janet Johnson Stewart

Janet Johnson Stewart, age 81, of Cumberland Foreside, Maine, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 29th, 2024. Janet bravely battled Alzheimer’s for the past two years, and was an inspiration to the many people who knew and loved her.

Born on July 19th, 1942, in Evanston, Illinois, to Kirt and Louise Johnson, Janet was the eldest of four children. From a young age, she developed a strong sense of responsibility and care-taking, which shaped her life. She graduated from Manhasset High School in 1960 with honors and went on to study English and Religion at Wellesley College, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964. Janet cherished her time at Wellesley and remained a dedicated alumna throughout her life. She interviewed prospective students, wrote recommendations, served as class president and vice president, and was the co-chair of her 50th class reunion.

On June 27th, 1964, Janet married her husband, Robert Kidder Stewart. Following a beautiful ceremony and reception in Manhasset, NY, the couple honeymooned in Bermuda, a destination that became a cherished retreat for them over the years. They visited the island over 100 times throughout their life together. Shortly after their wedding, Janet and Bob moved to Boston, where Janet began her first job as an editor for the New England Telephone Magazine---a perfect fit for someone with a deep love for writing. After their time in Boston and Rhode Island, Janet and Bob moved to Maine, where they started their family.

Janet and Bob were blessed with two children, Robert Jr. and Jennifer. The family traveled frequently, and after spending the first 12 years of motherhood devoted to her family, Janet pursued and received her Master’s Degree in Education. She went on to become an English professor at the University of Southern Maine, where she taught for over 15 years before retiring.

In retirement, Janet and Bob continued to travel extensively around the world. Janet was deeply involved in her church, serving as a deacon for 20 years. She was active in numerous organizations, including The Colonial Dames, where she served as vice president for several years. She also served on the board of The Portland Symphony Orchestra, and both volunteered and raised significant funds for the organization over the years. Janet loved antiquing and, for many years, had booths in Wiscasset and Freeport where she sold antiques. She was also an avid golfer and bridge player at the Portland Country Club and participated in many social groups and activities. She was always surrounded by friends who cherished her company.

In the late 1990`s, Janet was diagnosed with leukemia. She courageously chose to undergo a stem cell transplant, and despite the low odds of survival at the time, she triumphed over the disease. Following her recovery, Janet dedicated herself to helping others by forming support groups for those affected by leukemia. Her resilience and compassion touched the lives of many.

Janet’s greatest joy in her later years was her four grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Charlie, Logan, and Zachary, who were the apples of her eye. “Nonny” and “Papa,” as they were affectionately known, created countless memories with their grandchildren, including many family trips to Bermuda.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, Kirt and Louise Johnson, and her younger brother, William Johnson. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 60 years, Bob, her children, Robert Stewart, Jr. and Jennifer Stewart Guay, and their spouses, Jamie Geier and Norman Guay. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Kaitlyn Guay, Logan Guay, Charlie Stewart, and Zachary Stewart, as well as her two sisters, Katherine Hall and Sarah Bergmeyer.

A Memorial Service will be held at Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford Street in Portland, Maine on October 4th at 11 AM. A Celebration of Janet’s Life will follow at the Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Road in Falmouth, Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or The Alzheimer’s Association.