It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Janet T. Bessette, on November 1, 2024 — appropriately on All Saints Day, a day of fitting remembrance. Janet Theresa {Lemieux) Bessette was born on March 26, 1931, in Whitefield, New Hampshire, to Antonio Lemieux and Marion (Drouin) Lemieux. She grew up in Littleton, New Hampshire, where she completed her education, before moving to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to work for General Electric.

Janet was a woman ahead of her time. As a young woman, she lived independently - renting her own apartment, buying her own clothes, and walking each morning to the corner cafe’ for a bowl of oatmeal before heading to work. She often shared fond stories of this chapter in her life with her daughter.

Janet met her future husband, Leo, babysitting for his sister and brother in law . The four of them became very close friends and soon after, she became very much a part of his family. Janet dearly loved her sister laws children. Janet and Leo married in July 1952 in Littleton, New Hampshire. Soon after they flew to California when Leo was called to serve in the Korean War. Janet stayed on in California and worked on the Naval Ordinance Test Station base in China Lake, until his return.

Upon their attempted return to the East Coast, they decided to drive up the West Coast to visit our Uncle and Aunt who lived in Eureka, our dad’s brother and his wife. Mom had severe “car sickness” that didn’t seem to go away. Our dad mentioned this to his brother with great concern and our Uncle John, advised our dad that mom might be pregnant! This story got a lot of big laughs throughout our lives, because it had never even crossed their minds. They ended up spending the rest of their lives here in Humboldt County. They went on to have 6 children in all.

Janet was a dedicated wife, mother, Memei (grandmother) and volunteer. While raising her five children with her husband she worked multiple jobs, including a long tenure as a bookkeeper for a local title company. She was a dedicated volunteer to St. Joseph Hospital as well. She devoted 50 years of service, where she became the longest-serving volunteer in its history thus far. But, one of her most enjoyable job experiences, was when her dear friend, Vivian Gill, asked her to help at their little grocery store for just a couple months. Happily this endeavor lasted for 3 years and the two of them had a ball. They had remained life long best friends.

Janet is survived by her remaining four children, Tom (Nancy) Bessette, Dan (Moira) Bessette, daughter in law, Roxanne Bessette, Paul (Vicky) Bessette and daughter, Joy Bessette. She leaves behind her grandchildren that she deeply loved. Leo Bessette, Matthew Bessette, Tyler Bessette, Casey Lund, Jared Lund, Natalie Bessette and Nick Bessette. She also leaves behind many great grandchildren that she was so fortunate to enjoy.

Janet is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Leopold Bessette; her son, Rick Bessette; and her infant son Michael; her parents; two brothers and a sister. Also she is preceded in death by her grandsons Lucas, Michael and Anthony.

In accordance with Mom’s wishes there will be no formal funeral service. However, a Mass will be held in her memory at a later date, to be announced.

I would like to thank her many friends our mom made at The Meadows Apartments, here in Eureka, where she lived the last 10 years. They offered greatly appreciated friendships, dropped off meals, stopped by with a little wine and a cheese plate or to play some high stakes card games.

My deepest gratitude also goes to Larona Farnum and the incredible staff at Timber Ridge, where mom spent her final two months. She and her staff were exceptional and always so cheerful, reliable and accommodating. We can’t begin to thank them enough.

We are deeply grateful to Hospice of Humboldt for their compassionate care, unwavering support and kindness during moms final days, which brought comfort to both her and her daughter.

Donations may be made in her honor to Hospice of Humboldt 3327 Timber Falls Ct. Eureka, CA 95503 or www.hospiceofhumboldt.org.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Janet Bessette’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.