Norwich, VT- Janet P. Rae, 76, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Valley Terrace in Wilder, VT. Born on May 4, 1949, in Williamsport, PA, Janet was the daughter of Roger Rae and Florence Beck. She grew up in Williamsport before moving to the Upper Valley in the 1970s, a place that would become her lifelong home and center of her teaching career.

Janet was a dedicated art educator at Richmond Middle School in Hanover, where she taught for more than 40 years. She was instrumental in building the school's art program, inspiring generations of students and helping them create impressive and meaningful works of art. She was widely admired for her talent, patience, and wry sense of humor, and will be remembered as an inspiring teacher and thoughtful artist.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and later completed graduate work at the University of Hawaii during a sabbatical in the late 1980s. A lifelong learner and lover of beauty, Janet had a keen eye for color, composition, and design that extended far beyond the classroom.

Janet shared a deep love of travel with her wife. Together they explored Southeast Asia and Northeastern Europe, embracing new cultures and experiences. At home, Janet expressed her artistry through flower gardening, where her understanding of color theory transformed her gardens into vibrant landscapes. She continued to paint and draw, and loved to keep the house in order. She enjoyed spending time at camp in the NEK, where she put her mark on the gardens, kayaking in local ponds and rivers. She was the master of the BBQ.

She enjoyed kayaking and for years, joined the River Rats on a 2-3 day journey on rivers in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, always bringing the best chocolate chip cookies. Janet was also devoted to her golden retrievers and golden/lab mix, raising four over the years. One, Lily, survives her. In retirement, Janet taught at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and volunteered at the Norwich Library.

Janet is survived by her wife, Linda Pierce; her brother, Tom Rae, of Seattle, WA, and his wife, Sandy; and her beloved dog, Lily. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Roger Rae and Bill Rae.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com