CHICOPEE – Janet Rickarby Regan. November 30, 1926 – April 22, 202. Janet was welcomed by her parents George and Grace Oliver Healey in Lynn, MA and grew up in Marblehead, MA. She had a brother Martin, whom she was devoted to. Janet attended Emmanuel College in Boston and later received a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She did this while raising three young children with her husband and teaching elocution lessons from home.
Janet met Denny Rickarby at the West Dennis Beach on Cape Cod. Denny was funny and captured her heart. She fondly remembered her father telling her, “You better be nice to this one, he is a good guy”. They married in 1954 and Denny passed away in 1976. Together they built their home in Chicopee, MA where they raised their three children: Meredith Varzeas (Kim Mario) South Chatham, MA; Ryan Rickarby (Cathy), Rye, NH; and Sarah Floyd (John), Steamboat Springs, CO. Janet loved and so enjoyed the company of her grandchildren: Mario and Kelsey Varzeas; Carly, Kirstin and Chas Rickarby; and Jordi and Katy Floyd.
While they were dating, Janet taught Denny how to ski. They embraced the sport and 62 years ago bought a garage in Wilmington, VT, modestly renovated it, and enjoyed many of the family’s happiest times. Always known as “The Camp,” it is still used by the family today. Skiing at Carinthia (a small ski area in the valley), enjoying the many families at the mountain, and spending time with Denny and her children, she was blessed.
Janet worked in the Springfield Public School System for 40 years. Her career began as a Speech Pathologist and she retired as the Supervisor of Speech/Language/Vision and Hearing. Janet was proud to be an educator in the Springfield Public Schools. Having the opportunity to work with young children brought her so much joy. Throughout her years in education, many of her colleagues remained her life-long friends. Janet was very involved in Delta Kappa Gamma, was a board member at the Chicopee Savings Bank, and remained faithful to Emmanuel College and UMASS Amherst.
In 1990, Janet married John Regan from Westfield, MA. For those who knew her, he was the original “Mr. Nice Guy”. John’s three sons Tim Regan (Barb) Alexandria, VA; Dan Regan (Mary) Westfield, MA; and Jack Regan (deceased, Karen), Westfield, MA; and their families loved and embraced Janet. Janet welcomed the Regan grandchildren into her life: Timmy Regan (Molley) and Brian Regan (Anne); Marianne and Dan Regan; John Regan (Marie) and Kelly Phillips (Clint). Great-grandchildren: Reese and Grace Regan; Juliana Regan; and Kaylie and Jack Phillips. With her adventurous spirit, her love for people, her enjoyment from traveling and learning, she and John had a wonderful life together. John passed away in 1997.
Janet moved to Casey’s Pond, Steamboat Springs, Colorado on November 2, 2013, the day the community opened. Being one of the first residents at Casey’s Pond, she began another chapter of her life. The Bud Werner Library, Holy Name Church (where she attended mass every Sunday morning), adventures from Casey’s Pond, concerts, strolling down Main Street, and enjoying many events at Howelson Hill filled her life. Throughout her years in Steamboat, Sarah, John, Jordi and Katy loved, supported, cherished and treasured Janet, especially the last few years. Janet was always an “East Coast girl”, this was home, and in most conversations, she would share many happy memories of Chicopee, Wilmington, Cape Cod, Boston, and Western MA. Throughout her life, she was devoted to her family, faith, and friends. During her long and happy life, she enjoyed so many people! Thank you for the kindness, friendship, care, and thoughtfulness you shared with Janet.
Janet’s life will be celebrated at a later time.
