JANET N. (DEXTER) COVELL

WATERVILLE – Janet N. (Dexter) Covell, 76, died peacefully May 29, 2010, with her loving family at her side at Lakewood Manor Nursing Home. Janet was born April 30, 1934, in Lewiston, daughter of Frank and Frances (Austin) Dexter. Janet was a 1952 graduate of Edward Little High School and Endicott College, and received her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Southern Maine. She met the love of her life, Wally Covell, at a street dance in Monmouth, July 3, 1952, and they were married March 12, 1955, in Auburn. Together they shared a life and raised four children, Teddi-Jann Covell-Joseph of Orono, Schari Covell Roy of Waterville, the Rev. Brian Henry Covell of Evanston, Ill., and Dr. Daniel Dexter Covell of Brunswick and Concord, Mass. Janet began her professional career as a kindergarten teacher at Frye School, Lewiston. She was the teacher at Maine Cub Nursery School at the University of Maine when her husband’s coaching career took them to Orono. She opened a nursery school in their home when her children were small. Later she became a Head Start teacher in Waterville. Her leadership skills promoted her into the directorship position at Head Start and then she became administrator and grant writer for several state and federal childcare support organizations within Southern Kennebec Child Development Center, including The Trust Me Program, and Child Care Options, Augusta. Janet was on the board of directors for Hardy Girls Healthy Women until 2007. Janet was well known for her impeccable sewing ability. She spent hours making quilts, sweaters, tablecloths and baby clothes, with her home business Sew Lovely. Her precious creations and mementos will be cherished by many friends for years to come. Janet was also an accomplished pianist and author of two children’s books. Most of all, Janet loved spending time with her family and friends, as well as attending her husband’s and family’s sporting events, music and dance performances. In addition her husband and children, Janet leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Mildred R. Covell of Geene and Elaine T. Covell of Bangor; and four children-in-law, Donald A. Joseph of Orono, Michael J. Roy of Waterville, Sharon Cyr of Evanston, Ill., and Pamela Safford of Brunswick and Concord, Mass.; three adored grandchildren, Carolyn and Molly Roy of Waterville, and Darren Casey-Covell of Orono; very special cousins, Mary McNamara Maschino and Betty Miele; many other cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as granddogs, Rey and Trooper. Janet was predeceased by her parents; in-laws, Henry and Eva Covell of Monmouth; brother-in-law, Robert Covell; and sisters-in-law, Muriel Wilson and Priscilla Oneidi. The family conveys their sincere thanks to all the staff and nurses in the Skilled Unit at Lakewood Manor Nursing Home, and Dr. Jeff Lovitz, his staff and HealthReach Hospice. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. June 6 at Hafford’s, 6 Jefferson St., Waterville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hardy Girls Healthy Women, P.O. Box 821, Waterville, ME 04901-0821.