Janet E. (Sawyer) Ricci, of Pelham and formerly of Lynnfield, beloved wife of 56 years to Theodore D. Ricci, passed away on Sunday, January 30th, 2022 with her loving family by her side.  Born and raised in Lowell, she is the daughter of the late Armand and Lucienne "Lucy" (Lanseigne) Sawyer.  Janet attended French Parochial School and was a graduate of Lowell High School.

Janet and Ted's romance started when they met at the Paddock Club in West Peabody.  Ted courted Janet throughout the summer of 64'.   They enjoyed that summer co-captaining their sailboat on Lake Quannapowitt.  Janet married Ted, the love of her life on November 27, 1965 and they settled in Lynnfield to raise their family.

Janet worked as the Director of Elderly Housing of Lynnfield for many years and later worked as a pension plan administrator for the Atlantic Pension Company until her retirement.  A woman devoted to her faith, she was an active member of St. Maria Goretti Church in Lynnfield, where she enjoyed being a lector, taught CCD and founded the CYO program.  When Janet and Ted moved to Pelham, they became active members of St. Patrick's Parish of Pelham and spent time volunteering at the Community Center.  Janet enjoyed doing puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords, singing and dancing, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.

She was known for her kindness, generosity and quirky sense of humor.  Her granddaughters have fond memories of Janet (Mema) dancing with Ted (Papa) in the kitchen to Elvis, Rod Stewart and Frank Sinatra.  She spent summers in York Beach, Maine and traveled all over the world and was known for planning special surprise trips for her family to enjoy.   She truly enjoyed her semi annual trips to visit her grandsons, especially when they celebrated Silly Dollar Tree Christmas in October.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, daughters, grandchildren, sister and friends.  Janet is the devoted mother Christine Mahoney and her husband Steven of Pelham, NH, Elaine Herhold and her husband Jason of Conroe, TX and Beth Rauseo and her husband David of Lynnfield.  Cherished grandmother of Allison and Megan Mahoney and Jake and Evan Herhold.  Loving sister of Paulette Thomas and her husband Phil of Honolulu, HI and the late Lieutenant Colonel Richard "Buzz" Sawyer and his wife Janet of NJ.  She is also the aunt to many loving nieces and nephews, leaving extended family and many dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield on Saturday, February 5th, 2022 at 10:00 am.  Per the Town of Lynnfield, masks will be required in the church. Please go directly to church.  Interment will be held following the Mass at Willow Cemetery in Lynnfield.

Friends and family are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (Corner of Rt. 28 and Park St. at the Reading line) on Friday, February 4th, 2022 from 4 to 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Janet's Memory to the Community Hospice House Home Health, 7 Executive Park Dr., Merrimack, NH 03254 or at www.hhhc.org.