NEW SHARON – Janet D. Griswold, 73, of New Sharon, died Thursday evening, Dec. 28, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer.

She was born Nov. 18, 1933, in Brattleboro, Vt., a daughter of Cedric E. and Ruth V. (Scribner) Pierson. Following the death of her father in 1946, the family moved to Connecticut, where they lived in many small towns. On July 6, 1944, she was fortunate to have survived the great Barnum and Bailey Circus Fire in Hartford, Conn.

In 1950, she married her husband, Alfred. In 1975, they moved to New Sharon, where, with their family, they owned and operated the New Sharon Motel and Restaurant. In 1983, due to health problems, they sold the business and bought a home in New Sharon.

Janet was an avid knitter and was well known for the afghans that she made and exhibited at Farmington Fair; many of which received blue ribbons. She gave these treasures to her family and for fundraisers for the Messalunskit Chapter 170, OES, of New Sharon, of which she was past worthy matron.

Janet was a civic-minded person who always put others first and quietly sought ways to help those less fortunate. She was a volunteer for S.A.V.E.S.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Alfred, of New Sharon; their children, Richard Griswold and his wife, Martha, of Wilton, Holly Lindbom of Farmington, and Pamela Adams and her husband, Anthony, of New Sharon; grandchildren, Heather Lindbom and her companion, Jason Marble of Pittsfield, Leonard Adams of New Sharon, Mike Adams of Farmington, Jessica Pinkham of Boothbay, and Brett Griswold and his wife, Vanessa, of Temple; two great-granddaughters, Shannon Pinkham and Maya Griswold; one step-granddaughter, Shelly Fischer of Michigan; three step-great-grandsons; a former daughter-in-law and friend, Ellen Griswold of New Sharon; three sisters, Barbara Mason and her husband, Tom, of Manchester, Conn., Judy Griswold of Rockville, Conn., and Lucy DuPerry of Hartford, Conn.; a half-brother, Ronald Allen and his wife, Tess, of New Hampshire; cherished nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

She was predeceased by infant son, Peter Scott Griswold.