A Lasting Legacy

by Linda Moore

There are some people in our lives who cast a long shadow. Janet Newell was just such a person for me. Although diminutive in size, just 5 feet tall, Janet made an indelible and lasting impression that belied her small physical stature. She impressed all who knew her with a dazzling smile, a vibrant love for the Lord, a lively enthusiasm for God’s people and a lifelong quest for continued learning. The joyful spontaneity and zest with which she appreciated life, and her strong and steady faith despite the struggles she faced has left a lasting legacy.

I first met Janet in September 1989 when she attended our Women’s Bible Study program at Immanuel Church in Chelmsford, MA. It didn’t take me long to realize that this energetic and godly young woman would be a much valued member of our Women’s Ministries’ team, not to mention the welcome addition she and her family would be to our church. Through the years, Janet, an English teacher by profession, taught various Bible studies and organized and taught classes for our burgeoning homeschooled kids’ class. She was a valued member of our Women’s Ministries leadership team and helped to formulate the philosophy that is still the foundation for that ministry. A creative and talented writer with a musical performance background, Janet was well suited to be the Program Director for our annual Women’s Ministries’ Christmas events at the Burlington Marriott in Burlington, MA, an event that touched thousands of women over the course of the 16 years it was held.

After I assumed the responsibilities of the Director of Women’s Ministries for Vision New England in January 1999, Janet continued to play a vital role in assisting me in ministry. She often served as my “editorial consultant,” helping me with her grammatical expertise. She was one of five core leaders in our Women in the Word 2003 Leadership Team at Immanuel Church and led a workshop on “Sacred Friendships” for Women in the Word 2006 at Bethany Church in Greenland, NH.

Beyond all of her expertise, experience and assistance in ministry, however, Janet was a treasured and dear friend. She and I were a part of an accountability group of four women who faithfully met together on a regular basis for twenty years. We shared our life’s journey together; rejoicing in our children’s accomplishments, praying for each other’s personal needs, holding each other accountable for our spiritual growth, and encouraging one another to “take one day at a time,” when the going got tough.

Janet lost her seven-month battle with leukemia on December 28, 2010. Yet, even in “defeat” she was victorious. She embodied an unflinching faith and perseverance until the day she left us to meet the Lord. Daniel Webster defines perseverance: “a steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” Such determination marked everything Janet did, and her final trial was no exception.

Janet’s beloved family: her husband, Blake, and their five children; Elizabeth, Jim, David, Danny and Sarah remain behind as she has already received her eternal weight of glory. Thankfully, she has left all of us who knew her a legacy of faithful service as an exemplary model of a godly, Christian woman. This is a long shadow indeed!