January 23, 2012

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Janet E. Merchant, 76, of Hadcock Road, passed away at her home, Sunday, Jan. 22. 

Born Aug. 25, 1935, in Watertown, the daughter of Francis P. and Ivah Wheatley Mahan, she lived her entire life in Watertown. 

She was a devoted wife to Robert C. Merchant (deceased) and a loving mother of six children.

Janet worked diligently with the Thousand Islands Girl Scout Council, and was a founding member of the Watertown High School Booster Club where she was instrumental in advancing women's athletics through the Title Nine movement. 

For 25 years she touched the lives of area school children as a local bus driver for Freeman Bus Corporation before retiring.

Janet was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church serving on the vestry and as a Eucharist Lay Minister. She was also active with the Episcopal Church Women's Group. Currently she was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown.

Surviving are two sons, G. Michael Pfister and Charles F. Merchant (Jennifer Kane); four daughters, Michele J. Grabill (Bob Grabill), Allison A. Spagnoletti (Anton Spagnoletti), Julie M. Merchant (John Peck), Carol S. Merchant (Toby Frank); seven grandchildren, Robert J. Merchant (Leah Jones), Janele and Meghan Bailey, Madison and Mallory Spagnoletti, Natalie Peck, Madeline Frank; and a great grandchild, Raegan Paige Merchant.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mrs. Merchant's name to the ECW of Trinity Episcopal Church. 

Cards and letters can be received at 20986 Hadcock Road, Watertown, N.Y.

A private service for family members will be by D.L. Calarco Funeral Home. 

Internment of her ashes will be at a later date at Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown. 

Information provided by D.L. Calarco Funeral Home and Newzjunky.com, Watertown