Janet Ann Shea

PORTLAND – Janet Ann Shea, 90, of Portland, formerly of Tenants Harbor and Newton, Mass., passed away on Oct. 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, Mass. on July 14, 1935, Janet was the daughter of James and Mary Lennon. She attended Mission High School in Roxbury, Mass. where she was an exemplary student remembered for her intellect, curiosity, and early love of literature. A spelling-bee champion, she showed from a young age her gift for language and her delight in the written word. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and a master’s degree in American Studies from Boston College. At the age of 70, she fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Spalding University in Louisville, Ky.

During the early years of their marriage, Janet and her husband, John, raised their family in Wellesley and Newton, Mass. where life with five children was lively and full. During those years, the Sheas formed a lasting bond with close friends Diane and Ed Bedrosian and their three children – a friendship that spanned more than six decades and included mountain climbs, tennis matches, spirited dinner parties, and travel near and far, including a special trip to Ireland for Janet and Diane.

In 1999, Janet and John moved to Tenants Harbor, where they ran a cherished bed-and-breakfast, The Pointed Fir. For nearly 20 years, they welcomed guests from near and far, preparing beautiful meals and hosting lively 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. She also shared her writing on Maine Public Radio and taught at Emerson College, Stonehill College, and to workers in recovery at Polaroid. 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 her spouse Waverly Deutsch, William Shea and his spouse Karen Shea, Paul Shea and his spouse Mary Beth Benson, David Shea, and Alice Shea and her spouse Bruce Davis. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Jordan Shea, Katie Shea, and Owen Shea, who filled her life with pride and laughter; her great-grandchildren Louis Shea and Josephine Shea; and 15 nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

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

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home in Portland.

Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to leave condolences for the Shea family and share a memory of Janet.

Memorial contributions may be made in Janet’s name to:

Jackson Memorial Library

71 Main St.

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

via arlgp.org/donate/making-a-memorial-gift.

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