Janet R. (Dyer) Harris

Janet Harris

October 31, 1931 – June 5, 2025

Janet Harris, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and educator, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025. She was 93 years old.

Born in Washington, D.C. on October 31, 1931, Janet earned her bachelors in education from the University of Maryland and her masters in education at Antioch College. Later she moved to Medfield, MA, where she raised her children. After marrying her beloved husband Henry, she settled in Needham, where they spent many cherished years together and built a meaningful life grounded in faith and her dedication to Christ Church. 

She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Henry Harris, with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring partnership.

Janet is survived by her four children: Nancy Sheridan-Mullen (Joseph Mullen), Patricia Diskin (Dr. Charles Diskin), Michael Sheridan, and Carolyn Sheridan-Fernandez. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Dr. Charles Dyer Diskin, Dr. James Diskin, Victoria Sheridan, Isabella Fernandez, Oliver Fernandez, and Jameson Sheridan, and a great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren.

Janet also leaves behind a large blended family that she shared with Henry's six children, ten  grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren whom she welcomed into her life.

Janet found her true calling in teaching elementary-aged children—a career that brought her immense joy and purpose for decades.

Outside the classroom, Janet found peace and happiness at Great East Lake, where she and her family created countless treasured memories. Her passions included playing the piano, singing in the church choir, planting and tending to her flowers, and taking part in ministry work. She especially loved gathering with her large family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kids In Need Foundation, which provides school supplies to students and teachers in under-resourced communities—reflecting Janet's commitment to education and helping children thrive."

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