Shawn, Janet Sarah

Janet Sarah Shawn was called home by the Lord on Dec. 9th, 2016.

She passed away peacefully from complications that resulted from major back surgery, her body too frail to recover. She was born in Malden, Mass. on Nov. 27, 1929.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, daughter-in-law Dorothy, her parents John and Christina Coughlin, and her eight siblings. Her sister Jean Brien and husband Al are still living. Surviving kin include her children; Mark, Chris and William Coombs, Robin, Kerry and his wife Rita. Grandchildren include Jason, Jeremy, and Jessica and their families, and Sherry and Barbie and their families.

Janet was primarily a stay at home Mom but when finances were tight she worked as a seamstress for herself, family and others, and on call as needed by American Furniture for several years. In between she became an Avon sales representative when time allowed. Her work at American Furniture included repair of furnishings needing structural repair or upholstery coverings replaced. She also custom made drapery orders not carried in their inventory. For her family she made much of the kids clothing, and for others she did alterations, slipcovers, upholstery, and draperies as requested.

Her true calling though, was her devotion to the Lord and her faith, her church, Praise and Worship, and those who turned to her for help emotionally, spiritually, or financially. She was a friend to all and thought first about others rather than herself. She was committed to the Lord and was involved in many activities for her church and others, including bible study, musical groups, prayer groups, and even occasionally delivered the sermon when asked. She helped or served in many of the other church functions as needed. Earlier in her life she was the pianist and or organist for many of the first churches her family attended.

Janet was a good mother who along with her husband Clarence, provided a positive but disciplined environment with loving and nurturing values instilled in her children that would shape their lives as adults. Both were respected by all and both will now be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 4th at 10:30 with a reception to follow at the Praise and Worship church at 3044 Isleta SW. At her request, Janet was cremated and her ashes will be scattered with those of her husband at the house they shared for over 40 years.