Janice H. Maguire

On Sunday October 9th, surrounded by her loving family, Janice Ellen (Hitchins) Maguire of Boxford, MA passed away at the age of 76.  Even as she dealt with health issues in her later years, Jan never lost the smile, grace and sense of humor which were her trademarks throughout her life.

Jan graduated from Wakefield High School in 1963 and received Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1967 from the University of Massachusetts before beginning a long career as an elementary school teacher in North Reading and Boxford.

Jan was a loving and devoted wife to her husband Wayne, mother to her sons Ian and Andrew (daughter-in-law Kathleen), and grandmother to her grandsons Luke and Cole.  She loved to travel and read, but gardening provided Jan with her greatest joy.  She took immense pride in her perennial gardens, carefully planning, planting and monitoring every detail.  There was no bad day in the garden, as Jan joyfully clipped, weeded and watered with mothering attention.  Jan was an active and energetic member of the Boxford Village Garden Club, at various times serving as President and in other leadership positions over many years of enthusiastic involvement.  She cherished her camaraderie and shared horticultural interest with the ladies of the Club; they remained loyal and engaged friends throughout her illness.

Jan is survived by her husband, sons and grandchildren, and she was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Kathryn Hitchins, and sister Nancy Hitchins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Merrimack Valley Hospice as follows: 

Tufts Medicine Care at Home
Attn: Community Engagement
360 Merrimack Street Suite 425
Lawrence, MA 01843

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