Janice Fay Newman, 67, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her family, following a courageous six-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

She leaves behind her daughters, Erika Lelievre and Thyra Monaghan; her two granddaughters, Lucie and Bryn; her mother, Marilyn Kearney; her sister, Karin Johnson; her nieces; and many other family and friends. She’ll be in good company with her fun-loving husband, Richard Newman, who preceded her in June, and her father, William Johnson.

Born in Chicago, Ill., Jan lived in Newtown as a proud resident her entire life. She worked on many committees and the parades, and volunteered at many town events. Jan took great pride as a realtor in finding homes for so many in town, and enjoyed spreading her love of fishing to her community as the owner of Newtown Bait and Tackle for years.

Jan was constantly thinking of others — generous, spontaneous, super fun, inquisitive, hard working, and the strongest warrior we’ve ever known — right to the end. Her friends will continue to be a part of her family and her passions will be passed down forever. We will remember her with our gardens, our crazy adventures near and far, our Christmas trees that will stand at just the right angle, our constant cravings for over-the-top projects, our baking to show love, our propensity to follow our own rules, our appreciation of nature and what it has to offer, our devotion to friends and family, and in our times of challenges, she taught us all how to fight with inner strength and determination: not forgetting to add a healthy dose of laughter on the side. Her void will be deeply felt, but she gave us all the gift of unconditional love and inspiration that will last forever.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date to be determined. We will celebrate her life as the pandemic’s social distancing lifts. All will be welcome.