Janet Elizabeth Hutchinson

OAKLAND. – Janet Elizabeth Hutchinson, born Jan. 31, 1960, in Silver Spring, Md., passed away peacefully at home in Oakland, Maine, on Jan. 17, 2025 at the age of 64. After a courageous battle with glioblastoma, she died surrounded by her loving family and friends.

As a young child, Janet lived with her family in Wheaton, Md. At the age of five Janet’s family moved to Hingham, Mass., where a young Janet spent her formative years. When 15 in 1975, she relocated to Westfield, Mass. At Westfield High School her outgoing personality and adaptability enabled her to get involved in school activities. She achieved recognition as a two sport league all star in Field Hockey and Track and Field. Upon her graduation in 1978, she attended the University of Maine at Orono where she earned a Batchelor’s degree in Physical Education and met the love of her life, Glenn Hutchinson. Due to her friendly and fun personality, Glenn’s Fraternity honored her as the “Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.” She later returned to Orono to earn her Master’s degree in Kinesiology.

Janet devoted her life to teaching Physical Education and promoting Wellness in the Maine communities of Sidney, Belgrade and Oakland. A certified Yoga instructor, she spent many years coaching field hockey, track and field, and cross-country.

Janet possessed a profound reverence for life, embracing it’s beauty with open arms and an open heart. She found joy in the outdoors and cherished time spent with family and friends. She had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together and weaving connections. A constant presence of kindness and love, she saw the best in everyone she met, reminding us all of the goodness that exists in the world. Janet’s spirit was a light, warm and inviting, drawing others close with her vibrant joy and unwavering acceptance.

Her family, which she loved fiercely and unconditionally, was her greatest treasure. She leaves behind a legacy of unity, compassion and the boundless power of love. Her passion for education, family, health, and well-being inspired everyone who knew her. She certainly leaves an indelible mark on her family, friends, students,

Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Glenn Hutchinson; her three loving sons and their significant others, Isaac and Shelby Hutchinson, Jacob Hutchinson and Emily Belyea and Josh and Tiffany Hutchinson. She, also, leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Lola and Paxton Hutchinson. She is further survived by her brother, Brian Urquhart and his wife Karen,

her brother, Gary Urquhart, her brothers-in-law and their wives, Kim and Tracy Hutchinson and Trent and Julie Hutchinson; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She also was very proud of serving as a loving family mentor for a special family friend, Damien DeCoteau. Janet was preceded in death by her brother, Ross Urquhart; her parents, Elizabeth Palmer and Allan Urquhart, stepmother Nancy Williamson, and stepfather William Palmer, who are all now welcoming her home.

A Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts, 8 Goldenrod, Sidney, Maine 04330. Family and friends are invited to attend to honor her memory and to share their stories. The family kindly request that attendees wear cheerful colors to reflect Janet’s vibrant spirit.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

The Janet Hutchinson Memorial Fund

C/O KV Federal Credit

Union Acct. #1008047

35 Oak St.

Oakland, ME 04963

for supporting student health and wellness for RSU18 students, where she dedicated 40 years of service, and left a lasting legacy