In Memory: Janet Elizabeth Thomson, Age 91
Janet Elizabeth Thomson, 91, died on Friday, November 12, 2021, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Janet was born on December 27, 1929, in Baldwin, New York to Peter and Denise (Mathey) Van Hemert. She spent her childhood on Long Island, was a talented and dedicated violinist, and was recognized as one of the few select New York All-State High School Orchestra Musicians. She moved to Albany to study education at Albany College where she met her future husband, Ian George Thomson, in an art class.
She and Ian were married in February of 1954 in New York and settled in Rye, New York for over 20 years, spending summers in Brookfield, Vermont. Janet took her love of music to the Troupers Opera Theatre in Darien, Connecticut and attended the New York City Metropolitan Opera Theatre on a regular basis as a season ticket holder.
After Ian retired in 1982, they bought their home in Strafford and both took active roles supporting Opera North in Lebanon. She took great pride in her flower garden and delighted in chocolate indulgences, and very much enjoyed her winters in Cayce, South Carolina for the last 26 years. She loved being a grandmother and watching her grandchildren grow into accomplished adults. She and Ian traveled extensively in France and Holland enjoying the company and hospitality of their extended family.
She is survived by her husband Ian Thomson; two children, Barbara Thomson Melton of Cayce, South Carolina and Denise Thomson of White River Junction, Vermont; three grandchildren, Jennifer and Nicholas Melton of South Carolina and Erin Thomson of Wisconsin; other relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents; two sons, Peter and John Thomson; and three siblings, Peter and Denise Van Hemert and Jackie Reardon.
A graveside service at Ridge Road Cemetery in Brookfield, Vermont will be planned at a later date and memorial donations to the Humane Society of the US are appreciated.
