Janet Eagleson died on 17 December 2017 after a short struggle with cancer at age 82.  She led a full and exciting life as a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, and professionally as a leader of numerous local libraries and owner of successful small businesses.  A curious, lifelong learner and teacher, Janet travelled extensively, always bringing home new ideas and a better understanding of the world.

Born and raised in New York City, Janet became a dedicated New Englander after attending Smith College and falling in love with the area.  She also full adopted the Red Sox and Patriots as her teams and was as diehard supporter, even through the many dark years, fully enjoying their more recent successes with other ladies of equal passion for these teams.

Janet started working in libraries as a teenager and went on to earn her Masters of Library Sciences and work in or directed at the Houghton Library, Rowley Free Public Library, Topsfield Town Library, Flint Memorial Library, Lawrence Public Library, and lastly the Hampstead Public Library.

An avid supporter of equal rights, Janet stepped away from library service for over 15 years to own and run local small businesses with majority women staffs, ensuring fair pay and benefits for women at a time when many were still struggling for equality in the workplace.

In retirement, Janet volunteered with the Derry Caregivers, the Hampstead Library Thrift Shop, the Hampstead Food Pantry, Salem Senior Center and other local organizations.

Janet joins her mother and father, Mae and William Eagleson, in death and is succeeded by her sister Barbara, son and daughter-in-law David and Angela, daughter Jennifer, grandchildren, Dan and Rebecca, and many wonderful friends, especially Shelley.  She also leaves her dog Kizmet and cat Bella. May she rest in peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral home, 116 Main St., Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. Her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Hampstead Public Library, Mary Clark Drive, Hampstead, NH. A reception will immediately  follow the service until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either the New Hampshire SPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885 http://nhspca.org or  Salem Animal Rescue League (SARL), 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH 03079 https://www.sarlnh.org