RUMFORD POINT  - Seven children were raised on Saturday night beans, home baked biscuits, bread, pies, and donuts, abundant love, large quantities of laughter, and an infusion of the values of family, friends and simple living. Those children recently came together to support their mother, Janette F. Lamson, as she transitioned to the afterlife and reunited with their father/her husband, Bud, on September 11, 2019. She also went home to her parents Edith (Martin) and Lee Joel Thurston, her five sisters, and three of five brothers.

Janette Frances Thurston was born in Rumford Point, Maine, on May 10, 1920.

Her father was a woodsman and owned several logging operations. Her mother oversaw their large farm and household on the Ellis River.

Janette was the youngest of six girls, was a tomboy who ran the woods and fields and always opted to go to the upper pastures to fetch the cows home instead of doing evening dish duty.

She loved nature, especially wildflowers, and often related the story of how she and sister Verna would always win the school’s most unusual plant contest because they knew where to locate a patch of skunk cabbages. Every season was her favorite — Spring blossoms, Summer berries, Fall harvests, Winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Janette graduated from Rumford High School in 1938 and enrolled in the Golden Beauty School in Portland. There, she became fast friends with Gertrude Beal, who invited Janette to come visit with her family in Jonesport. 

Gurch fixed Janette up on a blind date with a Down East boy named Buddy Lamson. They continued to spend time together and on one evening attended a carnival. On the ferris wheel they shared a kiss that lasted the full circumference of the ride.  They married in April 1941 and shared 67 years together.

Family history and heritage were very important to Janette and she took pride in her community.

Memberships included the local Order of Pythion Sisters, where she held the office of Most Excellent Grand Chief.

She served as a scout leader, belonged to the hospital auxiliary and supported congregational activities for both the Rumford Point and Rumford Center churches.  She worked as a postmistress in Rumford Point and Hanover and continued to practice her skills of hairdressing, her daughters often the victims of her home perms.

Janette loved to bake. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday and she’d prepare for days making pies, breads, cookies, candies and buckets of chex mix.

She crafted quilts and beautiful braided rugs and knit sweaters and mittens of every size. She loved reading and music and was an avid storyteller, relating family histories, local folklore and tall tales from the logging camps. She took pride in her knowledge of every back road and “shortcut” and would go anywhere that might have an apple orchard or berry patch.

Her grown children were located throughout the United States, which provided she and Bud wonderful opportunities to travel. She delighted in the time she could spend with her grandchildren.

Janette is survived by her two “little” brothers: Marlin Thurston, 97, of Peru, Maine, and Harmon Thurston, 93, of Middlebury, Vermont; her children, Carol and John Sotman of Norway, Maine; Lewis and Sydney Lamson of Fort Worth, Texas; Laura and Roger Brainerd of Rockland, Maine; Jane and Greg Cunningham of Rockland, Maine; Barbara and Michael Moss of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Lucille and Robert Reiner of Lecanto, Florida; and Jean and John Farnsworth of Vero Beach, Florida; 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces and nephews who think the world of her.

A celebration of Janette’s life is planned for Friday, October 11, from 1 to 4  p.m. at the Rumford Center Meeting House in Rumford Center. Messages and condolences can also be submitted and shared on the family’s Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com 

The family extends sincere thanks and appreciation for the care and compassion received from the staff at Woodlands of Rockland, and Pen Bay Medical Center and Sussman House in Rockport.  In lieu of flowers, please bestow a small gift of kindness to an elderly friend or stranger.

Donations can also be made to support the incredible services provided to families and their loved ones by the Sussman House, 40 Anchor Dr, Rockport, ME 04856. 

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.