Janet E. (Gavin) Pelletier, 81, Former Wood and Cogswell Teacher

Janet E. (Gavin) Pelletier, 81, passed away June 14, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness.

Pelletier was born in Haverhill to Mary Katherine (Melody) and Joseph Gavin. She lived her entire life in Bradford, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Lowell State Teachers College, now the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree from Salem State College. She was married in 1955 to Laurence C. Pelletier, of Methuen, who predeceased her in 1991.

Pelletier began her teaching career in Plaistow, N.H., where she taught four years. She then continued her love of teaching in the Haverhill School System for more than 50 years, teaching mostly at the Wood and Cogswell Schools before retiring in 2009. On numerable occasions throughout her daily life she was approached by former students and parents who introduced themselves and thanked her for her influence on their life.

She enjoyed retirement almost as much as teaching and found the most life joy spending time with her family as well as continuing her avid traveling. She was a charitable and religious woman who was an active member of All Saints Church. As her final gift of charity, she donated her remains to Harvard Medical School for research purposes.

Pelletier leaves behind her son, Larry Pelletier and his fiancé, Judy Ravech of Needham; two daughters, Jennifer and her husband, Tony Onofaro of Haverhill and Jessica Pelletier of Bradford; a niece, Mary Bradley and her fiancé, Joe LaRosa of Haverhill; seven grandchildren, USAF First Lieutenant Tawny Pelletier of San Antonio, Haley, Michael, Kayla and Ashley Onofaro all of Haverhill, Grace and Emma Pelletier of Bradford and grand-nephew, Shain Bradley of Haverhill. She was also predeceased by four sisters, her twin, Anne Lobao, Mary Simmons, Peggy Gallagher and Helen Kelleher and four brothers, David, Donald, William and Joseph Gavin.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Linnehan Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. A memorial mass will be Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. at the All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haverhill Public Library, Marian E. Boutin Children’s Collection, 99 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. Boutin was a friend and colleague of Pelletier’s throughout her teaching career.