Obituary: Janet Hauser Franz, 1939-2024

Janet Hauser Franz, a beloved resident of Westford, Vt., passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 85.

Born on October 19, 1939, in Cornwall, N.Y., to Philip and Amy (Seaman) Hauser, Janet was a dedicated mother and grandmother, cherished friend, and beloved partner of (Walter) Perry Bland.

Janet graduated with a bachelor of science in elementary education from SUNY College at Cortland, N.Y., (now SUNY Cortland) in 1961. She spent her early adult years as a homemaker, teacher and educational advocate. From 1980 to her retirement in 2002, Janet worked on the main campus of the University of Vermont. During that time, she quickly rose from entry-level office staff in the Department of Special Education, Social Work and Social Services, to a role as residency officer in the Office of the Registrar, then on to become the founding project coordinator of the Vermont EPSCoR Program (epscor.w3.uvm.edu/bree), a position she held for 16 years.

Beyond her professional life, Janet was lovingly dedicated to her family. She participated in many community choruses over the years and passed her love of music on to her children. She was an avid reader with a vast knowledge of the English language and was always ready to help her children refine their writing … or to challenge them to a spirited game of Scrabble. The well-worn family dictionary was never far from the kitchen table.

During the growing season, Janet enjoyed cultivating vegetables and fruit, crafting her own maple balsamic vinaigrette, and baking homegrown apple and rhubarb pies to share with local patrons at the St. Albans and surrounding farmers markets, working tirelessly alongside her partner of 40 years, Perry Bland. Janet not only grew, harvested and sold fresh produce, but she also helped establish and run the Westford Farmers Market, starting in 2007, and always nurtured a sense of community among vendors and customers alike.

Janet’s other contributions to the Westford community were many, including support for Town Meeting Day proceedings and as a dedicated volunteer with the senior luncheon program, to name a few. While shepherding her four children through Westford Elementary School, Janet was always eager to support teachers, students and parents in whatever way she could. Her involvement with the school’s physical education program highlights Janet’s belief that health and fitness are key to a well-rounded educational experience.

Aside from her many community contributions, Janet’s greatest joy came from her family. Always available and supportive of diverse interests and pursuits, Janet also made great efforts to ensure holiday gatherings were warm, welcoming and festive affairs for all. She was well known for her amazing cooking and created countless cherished memories at and around the homestead.

She is survived by her partner, (Walter) Perry Bland, of Westford, Vt.; her children: Susan and her husband, Dr. Jerome Siegel, of Naples, Fla., Jenifer and her wife, Sandi Wagner, of Essex Junction, Vt., Eric Philip Franz of Burlington, Vt., and Ingrid and her husband, Matthew Moriarty, of Dundee, Ore.; her stepchildren: Dr. Jessica Bland of Rye, N.H., Melissa Bland of Burlington, Vt., and Kyler and her husband, Dan Ronner-Bland, of Hampton, N.H.; and her grandchildren: Benjamin Siegel, Jacob Siegel, Henry Wagner, Ella Tatum Moriarty, Sydney True Moriarty, Max Ronner-Bland, Oscar Ronner Bland and Annie Ronner-Bland. In addition, Janet also leaves her nephews, Doug Hausler and Kerry Hausler, and her niece, Dale Boardman. She is also survived by many more friends and family.

Janet is predeceased by her parents, Philip and Amy (Seaman) Hauser; her sister, Louise; and brother-in-law, John Herbster.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Westford Volunteer Fire Department and/or Fairfax Rescue.

Please enjoy every day and support your local farmers markets.

This article appears in Dec 25, 2024 – Jan 7, 2025.