DURHAM – Janette Ward Herling, 85, passed away peacefully where she had resided with her son and family on Thursday, Feb. 22, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Durham on Jan. 8, 1922, a daughter of Harold and Gertrude (Engleman) Ward. She was educated in Durham schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1940. She went on to attend the Auburn School of Commerce. After school she went on to work for Seavey’s Store before her marriage, and later worked for L.L. Bean, though she spent the majority of her life taking care of her family and home. She was a very loving, loyal and devoted wife and mother, and grandmother.

Janette was a member of the First Congregational Church of Durham since 1948. She was very active in the church and served as the church clerk, deaconess, and as a teacher and superintendent of the Sunday school. She was a member of the Church Ladies Guild serving as president, and Sunshine chairman.

She served as a den mother for Cub Scouts Pack 109. Janette greatly enjoyed camping, she loved birds and animals, especially her devoted and beloved feline companion, Patches. She and Patches had a special bond.

Janette is survived by three sons, Timothy W. and wife, Brenda, of Durham, Stephen W. and wife, Joni, of Lisbon, and Douglas A. and wife, Linda, of Lisbon Falls; two sisters, Gwendolyn M. Rowell and husband, Willis, of Suffield, Conn., and Maxine C. Herling of Durham; grandchildren, Jessica Herling, Bethany Fisher, Kara Murphy, and Thomas, Scott, James and Anna Herling; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Edwin L. Herling, on April 4, 1991, whom she married on Dec. 25, 1943; and a brother, Russell Ward.