Janet E. (Ahman) Connors

Janet E. (Ahman) Connors, of Stoneham, passed into eternal rest on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Janet, affectionately known as “Jan” was born to the late Alfred H. and Eva (Fraser) Ahman. The youngest of three daughters, Jan grew up in Beverly, MA and graduated from Beverly High School.

After high school, Jan began what would become a 30-year career in payroll and accounting at New England Telephone, later NYNEX Corporation. Throughout her career, she made many lifelong friends and met the love of her life, Francis X. (Frank) Connors. The two shared a passion for politics, board games, travel, and a good debate. They married in 1989 and Jan embraced an important role in the lives of Frank’s two daughters, developing a caring and lasting relationship with each of them.

Jan retired from NYNEX in 1997 and joined Frank in starting their own telecommunications company, Commonwealth Communications Industries (CCI), which they successfully ran until Frank’s untimely passing in 1998. She later put her experience and skills to work helping several local small businesses, including Central Animal Hospital and Weiss Farm in Stoneham, where she formed some of her closest friendships.

Generous in spirit and always willing to lend a helping hand, Jan gave her time to causes and organizations she cared about, including the Stone Zoo and the Stoneham Historical Society.

Jan had a sense of adventure that began early in life, with trips to Lake Shore Park on Lake Winnipesaukee and Fisher’s Island. Over the years, that love of exploring took her to Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, St. Maarten and beyond. She also enjoyed discovering new places throughout New England, especially when sharing those experiences with family and friends.

A lifelong sports fan, Jan had a competitive spirit and enthusiastically followed the Patriots, Celtics, and Red Sox. She enjoyed playing basketball in her younger years and took up Mahjong later in life, but some of her greatest fun came from cheering on the kids at their sporting events.

Outspoken and never one to shy away from sharing her opinions, Jan had an equally playful side and loved a good prank. Beneath that spirited exterior, she was sentimental and treasured family traditions, favorite family recipes, and the little touches that made holidays and special occasions meaningful. She appreciated a good laugh, a friendly competition, and spending time with the people she loved.

Jan valued her friendships deeply and maintained connections with people she met throughout her career, volunteer work, and everyday life.

Jan is survived by her stepdaughters, Kristi Connors-Taylor and her husband, William and Kerri Brophy and her husband, Donald, along with their three children, Connor, Kiera and Kendall. She is also survived by her sisters Sandra Ahman and Jean Wallace, both of Wenham, and her nephews, Robert Wallace and his wife Amy; Daniel Wallace and his wife, Bliss; and Mathew Wallace and his wife, Jasmine, the children of Jean and her late husband, Robert, who was like a brother to Jan. She also leaves behind her great nephews and great nieces, as well as many dear friends she met throughout the years.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Janet's family on Saturday, November 21st from 10:30am-11:30am followed by a funeral service celebrating Janet’s life at 11:30am at the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (Route 28) Stoneham, Massachusetts. Parking attendants and elevator are available. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Janet's memory to Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, Massachusetts (now part of MSPCA) or Stoneham Historical Society & Museum 36 William Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts.