Plaistow, NH: Janice R. (Wood) Adkins, 63, of Plaistow, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home, following a long illness. Born in Exeter, NH, she was the daughter of the late Phyllis (Harvey) Wood and the late Rev. John R. Wood, former pastor of the First Baptist Church of Plaistow. She attended The Sweet Hill Kindergarten in Plaistow and later the Hurld Elementary School when her family relocated to Woburn, MA. She was a member of the Woburn High School Class of 1980, and went on to receive her Associate’s Degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management from Florida State University.

Janice was first employed as a front desk manager at the Don CeSar Hotel on St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. She enjoyed telling stories of the celebrities she crossed paths with during her time there. She later worked in the customer service management department for the Home Shopping Network. She returned to Plaistow in 2009, where she worked as a substitute teacher in the Timberlane Regional School District and was fondly remembered by students for her kindness and warmth. A member of the First Baptist Church of Plaistow, Janice was a devoted mother, daughter and sister and enjoyed spending quality time with her family at Moody Beach, Maine.

She loved animals, good music, and was always the life of the party.

Janice will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her two children Kelsey R. Adkins of Chicago, IL, and John R. Adkins of San Francisco, CA, two sisters, Pamela A.W. Avedisian of Lexington, MA, and Joyce R.W. Glenney and her husband William of Coventry, CT., a brother Gordon F. Wood of Bristol, RI, a niece Julie Cadell, two nephews, Michael Rodriguez and Daniel Rodriguez, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Edward Avedisian.

Relatives and friends are invited to the calling hours to be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 122 Main St., Plaistow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 121 Main Street, Plaistow, NH.