Janet Therese Ayotte-Sheehan

EAST LONGMEADOW -Janet (Marceau) Ayotte-Sheehan, 86, of East Longmeadow, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2018. She was born March 12, 1931 in Chicopee, MA, the daughter of Raymond and Opalma "Pal" Marceau. Beginning in the early 70's, once her children were older, Janet worked as Hostess at the Yankee Pedlar Restaurant in Holyoke and then from the late 80's through the 90's, as a teller at Hampden Savings, finally retiring in her early 60's. But her most cherished and important job was as a homemaker and mom to her 5 children. Family was the most important thing to her. Janet loved to cook and particularly enjoyed holidays and birthdays for getting the family all together for a meal! She will also be remembered for her quick wit and wry sense of humor, delivering riotous one-liners with impeccable timing - a trait she shared with her beloved brother, Jack. When in her 50's, she re-connected with Jim Sheehan, who she had not seen since their days at Chicopee High School. They married in 1990 and enjoyed 25 years together, traveling in their RV and spending time with family and friends until Jim's passing in 2016.  Mom will be remembered as a truly sweet, selflessly giving, compassionate person who quickly endeared herself to all she met. She took great pride in her appearance right until the end, always "looking like a million bucks!" And she particularly loved babies and toddlers, never ceasing to stop and engage whenever she would encounter them. Her love, strength and humor will be sorely missed by all. And her children, in particular, will be forever grateful for the powerful lessons she taught us, especially in this past year.  Janet is survived by her 5 children, Lori Davis of Portland, CT, Michele Hutchinson of Monson, MA, John Ayotte of Naples, Fla, and Jim Ayotte and David Ayotte of Costa Rica. And two granddaughters, Alana Davis and Madeline Hutchinson. She is also survived by her 3 stepchildren, Lauren Sheehan and James R. Sheehan, Jr. of Portland, Oregon, and Donna Slocum of Ashburnham, MA, as well as their spouses and 10 step-grandchildren and 8 step-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her former husband, Donald N. Ayotte and 2nd husband, James R. Sheehan, along with her 2 brothers, Raymond Marceau, Jr. and John "Jack" Marceau. Janet also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews. And incredible gratitude to Jan's son, Jim - from his siblings - for providing the most amazing, devoted and loving care in ensuring that the final chapter of mom's life was lived with total dignity, grace and ease. And for being there to compassionately assist in her passing with love and peace. No words can adequately express the magnitude of our love and gratitude for his gift to our family.  The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Janet's life at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway St., Chicopee, Ma. A Calling hour will precede the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Interment of her ashes will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery, Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Spfld unit, 516 Carew Str., Springfield, Ma. 01104