Janet M. (Vanaria) Bourque

Houlton, Maine – Mrs. Janet (Vanaria) Bourque of Houlton, formerly of Waltham, died Monday, December 20, 2021 at her home. She was 69.

Janet was born on January 17, 1952, the daughter of the late Felix and Gloria (Gatturna) Vanaria. She was raised in Waltham and graduated from Saint Mary's High School in 1970. After that she earned her nursing degree at Salem State College School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. During her thirty-four year career she worked at various hospital and nursing homes.

On March 4, 2007 she married Michael Bourque at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham. The two spent many years in Waltham before moving to Maine a few years ago. Janet was a caring and loving wife and mother, guided by her faith. A devout Catholic, she had a strong prayer life and was active in church ministry.

Janet was also a natural and gifted artist. She was always humble about her talent when others often complimented her. Her talent came in the form of drawing and knitting. She drew portraits and things that reminded her of God's beauty. Focusing on drawing beautiful things kept her positive and lifted her spirit.

In addition to her husband Michael, she leaves her son, Matthew Farnham of Pelham, New Hampshire; her brother, Philip Vanaria of Linneus, Maine; her aunts, Alice, Betty, Mary and Anna, her uncle John and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

Family and friends will honor and remember Janet's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, December 29th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery, Waltham.