Janet Taft, 74

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Janet Claudia (Ayres) Taft, 74 of North Adams, MA died on Tuesday June 15, 2021 at her home. William, her loving husband of 47 years, was by her side.

Janet was born in Boston, MA on January 18, 1947. She was the daughter of the late John C. Ayres MD and Dora Boynton Ayres RN.

Janet received her Bachelor’s Degree from UMass-Amherst and her Master’s Degree from AIC. Janet worked as a teacher in the North Adams Public School System for over 30 years. She was dedicated to making an impact on every student’s life.

Janet was an avid horse lover. She shared this passion with her husband and daughter, Billie. Some of Janet’s happiest times were spent in the barn- whether it was riding, grooming, or mucking.

Janet was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Survivors include her husband, William Gordon Taft III and one daughter- Billie Marie Taft of Greenfield Center, NY. She also leaves two brothers- John B. Ayres, MD of Cooperstown, NY and Jeffrey P. Ayres of Baltimore, MD.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Janet Taft will be celebrated Monday June 21, 2021 at 9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care in the Berkshires in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.