Obituary of Janet M. Sylvester

Janet Mayo Sylvester

1933–2025

 

We are saddened to announce the passing of Janet Mayo Sylvester of Winslow, 91, who left us

on February 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born at home in Wilton, Maine, on December

25, 1933, she was the daughter of Oscar and Evelyn (Buzzell) Mayo. Janet graduated from

Wilton Academy in 1952 and went on to attend the University of Maine, where she

reconnected with her childhood friend, Harrison Sylvester.

 

Janet and Harry married in 1953 and shared nearly 55 years of love and partnership until his

passing in 2008. Together, they lived in Maine and Massachusetts, raising their three children:

Michael, Richard, and Deborah. Janet later returned to school, earning a degree from

Worcester State Teachers College in 1967. She then taught elementary school in Westborough,

MA, marking the beginning of her lifelong dedication to education. Janet and her family

returned to Maine for good in 1973, settling in Albion, where she was a member of a bowling

league and active in the Lions for many years.

 

Janet was an avid reader, known for her sharp humor and an unwavering sense of fairness. Her

home was always open to family and friends. Every summer, Janet and Harry joyfully hosted

their four grandchildren at their home in Albion or their camp in Eustis, playing a central role in

their lives. Her love of sweets, especially ice cream, was a well-known “secret” among family

and friends, and she was lucky to enjoy regular ice cream outings in her later years.

 

When Harry was diagnosed with learning disabilities in the late 1980s, Janet took it upon

herself to become an expert in the field and a passionate advocate for children and adults with

learning differences. She regularly fielded calls from parents seeking advice and supported

families across Maine and the country. Janet served as the executive director of the Learning

Disabilities Association of Maine for many years, making a lasting impact on countless lives.

 

Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harrison Sylvester, and her son, Michael

Sylvester. She is survived by her children, Richard Sylvester and wife Carol, Deborah Noyes and

husband Charles, her grandchildren Ryan Sylvester, Erin Cliche (Jason), Erica Bosse (Jordon),

and Noah Bradstreet (Lucie Strokoszova), and two great-grandchildren, Graham and Ivy Cliche.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date in Eustis. In lieu of flowers, the family

requests that donations be made to the Harrison C. Sylvester ’55 Family Scholarship at the

University of Maine in Janet’s memory.