Janet A. Roy, 82

DALTON, Mass. — Dalton lost an exceptional woman with an amazing spirit who was loved and admired by many. Janet Alberta Putney Roy, "Nanny,” was surrounded by her eight daughters, grandchildren, and son in-laws when she peacefully passed away at her home in Dalton on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016.

On the Thursday before she passed she shared, "I had a wonderful life with Billy and our girls. Watching our daughters’ lives unfold together was (mostly) the joy of our lives. We always made each other laugh- I hope somehow that will continue." 

Born in Holyoke, Mass., on October 21, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Ransome Putney and Hannah O' Riley Putney. A long time Dalton resident, she was a 1950 graduate of St. Joseph Central High School and a 1954 graduate of St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing, where she became a registered nurse. 

She had a long career of helping others in many capacities, including at the Berkshire Medical Center and at the Dalton Nursing Home. She spent several years as a Nursing Supervisor at Ashmere Nursing Home. She later became Director of Nursing at the Dalton Nursing Home. After her retirement she spent several years volunteering with Hospice of The Berkshires. 

Janet loved spending time with her family, attending her daughters’ and grandchildren's graduations, art shows, speaking engagements and sporting events. She enjoyed weekly game days with her nursing buddies. Wednesday evenings were designated "Family Dinner Night" - involving all the family in town, and often several desserts. Nanny was humble but clear that she loved shopping at Macy's and receiving gifts such as lottery tickets and gift certificates to restaurants. A week at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Mass., was the highlight of every summer, spending family time on the beach and floating under the bridge. 

Home at Burr Drive, she loved gardening, reading novels and followed politics carefully until November 8 of this year. Putty, her much loved giant golden retriever son, often walked her and many of us. Our Nanny was enchanted by the magic of movies of all kinds (with jujufruits) and she lived for Oscar night gatherings. Though Bill preferred Suduko, she was brilliant with crossword puzzles. 

William A. Roy, Janet's husband of 59 years, passed away in February of 2016. 

She leaves her eight daughters, Beth Norton (Tom) of Housatonic, Mass., Merricat Roy (Milo) of Tuscon, Ariz., Helen Roy (Tony Featherston) of New York City, JT Roy (Kendall Dorman) of Washington D.C., Joan Roy of Dalton, June Roy-Martin of Pittsfield, Rosie Roy (Paul) of Northampton, Mass., and Anne Ronayne (Brendan) of Dalton; grandchildren Sarah, Billy, Lianne, Riley, Lucy, Becca, Emmy, Johnny, Roy, Jill, Ben, Hannah and Catie; as well as her many loving nephews and nieces whom she adored. She will also be missed by her loyal animals Putty and Duke. 

Nanny's family would like to extend a special thanks to the Berkshire Medical Center's 5th floor and to Dr. DeLeo and the amazing nurses at the BMC Cancer Clinic for their kind and loving treatment. We would also like to thank Hospice Care of Berkshire County for their support and help bringing mom home. 

Nanny Roy had an amazing spirit and was brave and courageous as she battled cancer, showing everyone who knew her how to stay positive, and present in every single day. Nanny, with her sparkling smile and contagious laugh will be missed, but she will remain in our hearts and minds forever. 

Funeral notice: Nanny's wishes were for her friends and family to have A Celebration of Life in her honor. It will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at Wahconah Country Club, 30 Old Windsor Road, Dalton.

The extended family is invited for a private gathering at Wahconah Country Club from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We would love to invite all our friends to join us at Wahconah Country Club from 1 to 4 p.m. for an open house as we gather to celebrate the life of Nanny. There will be a Remembrance Service at 1:15 p.m., where we will share reflections and memories. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Janet may be made to: The Denise Kaley Fund for Berkshire County Women with Cancer in care of Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 Main Street, Dalton, MA 01226, or go to berkshiretaconic.org/makeadonation and select the Denise Kaley Fund. Donations can also be made to The Dalton Benefit Association in care of the funeral home.