Janet Marie (Cantin) Kurylak, 84, of Merrimack, NH, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, surrounded by family at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC, following a period of declining health.

Born on May 15, 1940, in Lowell, MA, Janet was the daughter of the late Catherine (Latham) and Roland Cantin Sr. She grew up in Forge Village, Westford, MA, where she attended high school, before settling in Merrimack, NH, her home for 63 years. There, she married her beloved husband of 58 years, Melvin Rodney Kurylak, who predeceased her in 2020.

Janet was a devoted homemaker during her children's early years, infusing her home with love, creativity, and support.  As her youngest started school, she joined the Merrimack School District lunch kitchen, working there from 1972 to 1979. She later became a technician at Kollsman, where she remained until her retirement in 1993.

A gifted artist, Janet excelled in oil painting and showcased her talents at numerous art and craft shows. Her creativity knew no bounds—whether decorating cakes, sewing, knitting, quilting, crafting wreaths, or working with wood, pinecones, and glass, she brought beauty to everything she touched. Her diverse creative skills and imaginative spirit live on as a cherished legacy.

Janet's generosity was boundless. She gave freely of her love, time, and talents, volunteering with the Scouts and offering a helping hand wherever needed. She was known for her "Nana Hugs"—warm, enveloping embraces that lingered just a little longer, squeezed just a little tighter, and radiated pure love. They were, simply put, the best, and her family will forever hold them close.

In addition to her parents and husband, Janet was predeceased by her siblings Marjorie Reslow (1975) and William "Bill" Cantin (2000).  She leaves behind her brother, Roland Cantin Jr., her four children, Lisa (Tory) Ziebell, Sandra (Bill) Silva, Steven (Tina) Kurylak, and Tom (Juanita) Clukay; seven grandchildren, Brittney (Ryan) Walters, Eric and Jessica Silva, Kai (Sadia) Kurylak, Anthony (Sidney) Kurylak, Lana Kurylak, and Bill (Ashley) Clukay; one great-granddaughter, Ella Kurylak; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Rd., Merrimack, NH, on Friday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.  A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday, April 26, at 9 a.m. at the same church, with burial afterward at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester, NH.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Janet's memory may be made to, The Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC, or the Community Hospice of Merrimack, NH, or Alzheimer's Association; or a charity of your choice.