Janis Lee Doucette, 77, of North Reading, Massachusetts, passed away on May 5, 2026. Born on June 26, 1948, in Melrose, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of the late Paul and Irma Doucette.

Janis was a creative spirit and a talented artist who expressed herself through her work, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew her. A respected member of the arts community, she was known for her originality, passion, and the authenticity she brought to everything she created. She spent many years living on Cape Cod and in San Francisco, places that reflected her independent nature and artistic soul. During her time in Hyannis, Janis was also deeply involved as a community organizer, dedicating herself to local initiatives and bringing people together through both art and advocacy.

She was the devoted mother of Dennis Lawhorne and his wife Melanie, and Mark Lawhorne and his wife Patricia, and a proud grandmother to Caroline, Cameron, James, Jack, Markie, and Brody Lawhorne.

Janis is survived by her loving sisters, Linda Collins and her husband Robert, and Marie Crowell and her husband Glenn. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Paul Doucette and Larry Doucette.

Janis was formerly married to John (Dennis) Lawhorne and Andrew Sexton. In recent years, she made her home in North Reading with her companion of 16 years, William “Bill” Berry.

She will be remembered for her creativity, her strength, her deep commitment to community, and the enduring impact she had on her family and all who knew her.

A wake will be held on Sunday, May 17, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Gately Funeral Home in Melrose, Massachusetts. A funeral Mass will be held the following morning at 11:00 AM at the same location.