Janet Lynn King of Shaker Road in Canterbury, NH, passed away peacefully early on June 18, 2024, at VNA Hospice House in Concord of complications from cancer. She had turned 71 on the 16th.  

Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, to George and Olga King, she was the middle child  of 11 siblings. They moved to Dix Hills, New York, where Janet attended Half Hollow Hills High School, where she played the french horn. 

As a youngster Janet displayed the caring nature, love of the outdoors, artistry, and instinct of sharing her gifts with others which would be apparent throughout her life. She took care of her sister and parents during their illnesses, traveled to Peru, Israel, and Greece, and painted Ukrainian Easter eggs with her sisters.

She leaves behind her husband of nearly 20 years, Fred Portnoy, her 13-year-old German Short Haired Pointer, Fiona, many siblings, nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, many good friends from Canterbury, Long Island, and beyond, and her chickens.

Janet was a rower. Prolific artist. Certified art teacher. Substitute teacher. Caretaker. School bus driver. Tutor. Dump attendant. NH House committee assistant. Runner. Dog lover. Dog walker. Late arriver.  Dartmouth College staff assistant. Church member. Deacon. Benevolent Society member. Choir singer. Piano student. Soap maker. Farmers market vendor. Barterer. Caring friend. Caring sister. Storekeeper. Gardener. Eclectic house plant planter. Pet sitter. Cook. Facebook hound. Online shopper. Cairn builder. Calligrapher. Snow shoe-er. Chicken farmer. Member of Women’s Caucus for Art. 

A show of Janet’s artwork will be up in the Canterbury Parish House/Community Center during September, culminating in a Celebration of Life on September 21, 2024 at 1 pm.

Contributions in Janet’s honor may be made to The Canterbury Fund, c/o 252 Borough Rd., Canterbury, NH 03224, or to a charity of one’s choice.