Janet A. Taylor

Janet A. Taylor of Portsmouth passed away on September 3, 2023, after a period of declining health.

Janet was born on January 14, 1933, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, to Francis J. O'Connor and Carlotta Severance O'Connor. After attending the University of New Hampshire and Chandler School for Women, she worked in Boston, Massachusetts, before marrying the love of her life, Alvin E. Taylor, in 1956. The couple resided in North Carolina while Alvin completed law school, lived briefly in Washington, D.C., and then moved to Portsmouth in 1958. They resided in Portsmouth for the remainder of their lives.

In addition to raising her family, Janet worked as an executive assistant and office manager. In her later years, she volunteered for New Hampshire Legal Assistance. She was a member of the North Congregational Church for more than 60 years, a longtime member of the Portsmouth Yacht Club, and a former member of Wentworth-by-the-Sea Country Club.

Janet enjoyed tennis, skiing, golf, books, cooking and entertaining, traveling, and spending time with her cherished friends. Above all, she was passionately devoted to her family, especially her seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Alvin and her grandson, William Taylor. She is survived by her children, David Taylor and wife Kendall of Sun Valley, Idaho, and Leslie Kirby and husband William of Darien, Connecticut; grandchildren Kathryn Taylor, Michael Taylor (Madison), Cameron Kirby (fianc?, Chase Newman), Chandler Kirby, Lindsay Kirby, and Jake Kirby; and a number of beloved cousins.

A private celebration of life will be held at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to The Scooty Fund (www.scootyfund.org) or Abilis (www.abilis.us). For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel.