Janet P. Witherspoon Obituary (1943

ROCKLAND - It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Janet (Plummer) Witherspoon, who peacefully passed away on August 18, 2026 at Sussman House Hospice in Rockland, at the age of 83. Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Richard 'Dick' Witherspoon. She was the loving mother of Duane Witherspoon and his wife Janice (Rodriguez) Witherspoon and Wendy (Witherspoon) Kenny and her husband Patrick. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert Plummer and David Plummer; and her grandchildren Kelsey (Kenny) Harke and her husband, Ryan Harke; Alexander Witherspoon and his wife, Jessica (Tebbens) Witherspoon; Madison Kenny; and Nicholas Witherspoon. Born on March 12, 1943, in Rockland, the daughter of the late Lawrence Plummer and Helen (Parsons) Plummer who predeceased Lawrence and his wife Melissa Plummer. Janet lived a life marked by warmth, resilience, and devotion to her family. She spent many fun summers in her youth at Camp Kieve on Damariscotta Lake. Later, she graduated from Gorham College which enabled her to begin her career as a 4th Grade teacher. Janet was a caring Mom and Grammy to her children and grandchildren. Janet was never far from her husband and soulmate, Richard. She was known for her spirit, gift of gab, passion for the outdoors (especially Puffins), and the attentive, caring kindness that she extended to everyone she met. Upon their marriage, Janet and Dick moved to Poughkeepsie, NY to pursue Dick's career at IBM, Janet's ambition to teach, and their collective plans to raise a family. She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Education at New Paltz College and worked as a Substitute Teacher into retirement. Janet was an avid volunteer, directing her energy as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader along with directing outdoor programs at a Dutchess County farm. In later years, Dick and Janet returned to their beloved mid-coast of Maine. They split time between their homes in North Haven and Rockland but their primary residence was on the island. Summers on North Haven meant family visits, warm weather, and smooth ferry rides, where Janet could be found creating a new quilt, tending their large garden, serving a meal, or pursuing any number of volunteer roles such as the North Haven News and Unity Guild. Janet, known as Grammy, played a vital role in raising her grandchildren, filling their childhood with love, fun, and thoughtful surprises on their summer trip to North Haven. Working in the garden, setting up a vegetable stand by the side of the road or a walk on the beach. Grammy Camp was always a special time. She and "Grandpa" were always present, from babysitting in their younger years to birthdays and graduations as they grew. Her unwavering presence and quiet acts of love made her a constant source of comfort and joy. Her family always knew they were at the center of her heart. Her joy for life and love for those around her never faded, and while we will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Janet's life will be held on October 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Haven Baptist Church, North Haven, ME. Family and friends are invited to attend and share in remembering and celebrating her remarkable life. A graveside service for family will be held afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or other cancer related charities. "Mom's life was a gift to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered."Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.2d:{"dateTime":"2026-1