Janet L. (Brackett) Buck

Janet Lucille Brackett, 92, was born in Brockton Hospital to Marie Sophia (Carlquist) and Calvin Lyman Brackett when their vacation to Brandt Rock was prematurely but providentially interrupted. Janet's homecoming was in Oakdale, MA, where she joined an older brother, Calvin "Bud" and an older sister, Ethel. As she was growing up she had a curiosity and affinity for all wildlife, especially crawly creatures which earned her the distinct name of "Bugs," one of the many nicknames she acquired.

Church was an integral part of her life, attending Sunday school as a student and then as a teacher. She tagged along to the women's group with her mother, joining in with activities. She helped organize smorgasbords which later evolved into a family affair with annual celebrations.

Janet's career path was diverse, as was her appetite to learn: she was activities director at the Oakdale Nursing Home for many years and had the good fortune to travel with her employer, Mrs. A. (Her travel experience broadened with family too.) She changed gears to try her hand in the offices at United Way and later was well received at the Worcester Art Museum. Lastly, she enjoyed greeting people and collecting tickets at Tower Hill Botanical Garden where at age 85 she decided to retire. But it was not to be, for she accepted the position of registrar at the W. Boylston Historical Society where she worked until her passing at age 92.

She was a woman of many talents, a true artist who enjoyed painting (designs on seashells was a specialty), drawing, working with dried flowers, crocheting, knitting, quilting . . . one of her accomplishments was an authentic design on her nephew's tepee which won her a spot-on TV channel 27. Her latest achievement was the completion of a coloring book of "Life and Landmarks of Olde W. Boylston." In her introduction she wrote, "It is my hope that, as you color your way through this book, you'll want to put on your detective cap to find a wealth of our very interesting past."

Janet had many other interests as well. Crossword and jigsaw puzzles were ongoing and when she could entice someone to play, cards and often a cribbage board came out. Scrabble was the Number One game if any opponent, young or older, had the nerve to take her on. At Sandy Neck, her second home, the grandchildren learned many new words in their attempt to "beat" Nam.

Her most ardent love, however, was her family. She was married to a local man, George Philip Buck, on August 31, 1951 and they raised three boys — Roger, (wife Pam) George P. II "Skip" and Mathew (fiancé Debra). Nieces and nephews (as well as greats) share an important place in her family. As years passed she welcomed eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren (with one on the way). Her devotion to her family was evident in the nurturing and love she gave them all, bringing out each one's unique quality by her interest and attention.

Janet stated in a story she once wrote that she had no heroes outside of her family. Janet, aka Ma, aka Auntie Ma, aka Nama, you are our hero!

Calling hours will be on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Funeral Home, 1 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston, MA from 1:00PM until 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to:
Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury, MA 01545-3948
OR The West Boylston Historical Society, P.O. Box 201 W. Boylston, MA 01583

To view calling hours virtually please click on the link below:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9634211413