PORTLAND — Janet Ann Shea, 90, of Portland, formerly of Tenants Harbor and Newton, Massachusetts, passed away on October 12, 2025, in the three-decker home on Munjoy Hill belonging to her daughter Alice Shea and son-in-law Bruce Davis.

Janet faced her recent illness with courage, humor, and grace, meeting each day with the same spirit that defined her life. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as dear friends, she fearlessly faced death head-on, full of love, conversation, and laughter to the end — faithfully cared for by her beloved dogs, Hank and Ella, who rarely left her side.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 14, 1935, Janet was the daughter of James and Mary Lennon. She attended Mission High School in Roxbury, where she was an exemplary student and spelling-bee champion, remembered for her intellect, curiosity, and early love of literature. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and a master’s degree in American Studies from Boston College. At 70, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.

During the early years of their marriage, Janet and her husband John raised five children in Wellesley and Newton, while John worked as a civil engineer at Polaroid. Life was hectic and full, yet always filled with laughter, creativity, and curiosity. The Sheas developed a lifelong friendship with Diane and Ed Bedrosian and their three children — a bond that spanned more than six decades and included mountain climbs, tennis matches, lively dinner parties, and travels near and far, including a very special trip to Ireland for Janet and Diane.

In 1999, Janet and John moved to Tenants Harbor, where they ran a much-loved bed-and-breakfast called The Pointed Fir. For nearly twenty years, they welcomed guests from near and far, preparing beautiful meals and hosting gatherings that reflected their shared belief in good food, good company, and good conversation. Their home was always filled with friends and family.

A devoted reader, writer, and teacher, Janet’s work appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, The Witness Magazine, Liguorian, and North Shore Life, and she frequently read her work on Maine Public Radio. Her 2015 poetry collection, Prayers of a Roadside Contemplative, offered meditations on faith, doubt, love, and belonging.

Janet was predeceased by her husband, John Shea.

She is survived by her children Mary Shea and Waverly Deutsch; William Shea and Karen Shea; Paul Shea and Mary Beth Benson; David Shea; and Alice Shea and Bruce Davis. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Katie, and Owen Shea, who filled her life with pride and laughter; her great- grandchildren Louis and Josephine Shea; and fifteen nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Jackson Memorial Library, 71 Main Street, St. George, ME 04860 (please note “In honor of Janet Shea” in the memo or call 207-372-8961), and to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland at arlgp.org/donate/making-a-memorial-gift.

These organizations reflect Janet’s enduring love of learning, community, and care for all living beings.