Janet L. Ainsworth, 63

Janet Lee Ainsworth, 63, of Meredith, found peace on Oct. 15.

She was born in Middleton, Connecticut, on March 4, 1960. Being the eldest daughter of Lamina Anora Rayno and Wilfred Allen Rayno, Janet set her path, free and forward from early on.

In 1970, at age 10, she, her parents and four siblings (eldest and predeceased, David Rayno, and three surviving, Kenneth Rayno, Bruce Rayno and Barbara Rayno) all moved to their forever home in Meredith Center. They made unforgettable childhood memories in "the center" with their neighborhood friends.

Janet grew to graduate from Inter-Lakes High School with the class of 1978. While there, she participated in chorus and won awards in home economics. Janet and Steve Ainsworth married soon after high school and raised two daughters, Jessica Lynn Cheverie of Meredith, and Erica Rae Ainsworth of Port Huron, Michigan. Steven and Janet raised the girls together until their parting in 1987.

Jessica's son, Alex Reed Graper, and Erica's daughters, Cloe Rae Cole and Cora Jean Cole, were her three grandchildren and greatest loves of her life.

Janet's gypsy spirit and sight for inspiring things made her a fast friend to all who met her. She was funny and stubborn. She was beautiful and strong. Her partner and last love, William Murray, predeceased her in 2020. They had a wonderful companionship. Bill left behind his son, Jacob Murray, to share in her final days.

As did Bill, Janet taught the art of acceptance everywhere she lived throughout her life. She carried that view with her through Naples, Florida; Flagstaff, Arizona; and many points in Meredith.

Being a generous and spirited soul, her many friendships burned brightly throughout her years, and those who knew her have a colorful book of stories to tell.

While activities like deep sea fishing, off-roading, concert going, night swimming or desert hiking were surely on her list throughout her younger years, we would have found her more recently driving her grandchildren through the property woods on her old Kawasaki Mule, making sure to teach them the name of every animal, plant and creature along the way. On her own time, she was tending to her flowers, watching her favorite shows or making a really excellent meal to share.

Janet was a true friend to all and loved her family fiercely. She will be remembered as a wildly bright light in this world.

For those who would like to attend a celebration of life in Janet's honor, she would only want to be at home. Friends and family are invited to gather there on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 2 to 7 p.m.

Janet's art work and best prepared recipes will be there to welcome you. Please bring your photos, your love for her and your best memories to share.