Obituary of Janet Sawyer Campanale

Janet Sawyer Campanale

Janet Sawyer Campanale, of Kingston, died peacefully at age 76 on Friday, January 19, 2024 with her loving children and husband by her side. As the youngest of four children born to William Preston Sawyer and Dorothy Ilg Sawyer, she grew up in Belmont and Duxbury, Massachusetts. Jannie was a member of the class of 1965 at Duxbury High School and later graduated from Colby Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire.

Born August 29, 1947, Jan was known for her joyous laughter and generous warm spirit. An avid adventurer, she loved traveling to see her friends and family. Her love for the outdoors was shaped by summers spent on Cushings Island in Maine and cruising the open waters off of Maine, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Of all that she did, nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren.

After graduation from college, Jan was initially employed as a research scientist at the Smithsonian Institute in Cambridge, MA. Jan married the love of her life Kenneth V. Campanale on August 14, 1999. As a full-time working parent, she continued her career in science through managing family medical practices. In her final working years, she switched careers in favor of working in retail at The Studio of Duxbury. Her graceful demeanor and love for fine gifts, art, and people illustrated her role as trusted friend and devoted community member.

Upon her retirement, Jannie regularly walked her beloved dog Phoebe along the beach, enjoyed spending time tending to her garden, volunteered in classrooms and in the school gardens at her grandchildrens’ schools. Her giving spirit enabled her to volunteer additional time reading to children at the Duxbury Public Library, working with Flower Angels in Yarmouth, and reading for WATD Radio.

Jan is survived by her husband Ken, her siblings, Judy (Chip) Sawyer of Pembroke, MA, William (Barbara) Sawyer Jr of Point Arena, CA, Nancy (Edward) Wadsworth of Duxbury, MA; her children, Dori (Tegan) Campbell of San Juan Capistrano, CA, Jay (Heidi) Merrill of Gill, MA, Nikki Campanale of Worcester, MA & Mark (Angie) Campanale of Davenport, FL, her grandchildren Kelsey, Zoe, Declan, Jack, Nellie and Sydney, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Salvation Farms, PO Box 1174 Morrisville, VT 06551 https://www.mightycause.com/story/Iorsnf