Janet H. Lensing, a resident of Greenwich since 1957, died peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 at the age of 93.
She was born Janet Marjorie Harty on Aug. 12, 1924 in Syracuse, N.Y. to parents Charles J. and A. Keith (Goulet) Harty. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees and studied for her PhD in psychology at Syracuse University. Prior to her marriage, Janet conducted psychological research at Syracuse University and later worked for General Electric in Electronics Park in Syracuse.
She is predeceased by an infant son, James Thomas Lensing; her parents; two sisters, Joan Harty Duell and Gloria M. Harty; and one brother, Charles J. Harty, Jr. Janet is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, James R. Lensing, and their five children, John C. Lensing of Barrington, R.I.; Joan K. Lensing and Janet A. Lensing of Greenwich; James H. Lensing (Brenda) of Mansfield, Texas; and Jenny Elizabeth of Farmington. She is also survived by a brother, John E. Harty of Toano, Va.; five grandsons, Matthew J. (Julia), Nicholas J. (Molly), and Peter F. Lensing, Joshua R. Andrea, and Luke N. Lensing; one granddaughter, Maggie L. Lensing; and five great-granddaughters. Her loving extended family also includes two nephews, Charles J. Harty III (Regina) and Thomas M. Lensing (Becky), a cousin, John H. West (Joyce), two great-nephews, and their families.
After raising her children, Janet worked for the Greenwich Public School System as a substitute teacher and aide in special education classrooms. Janet loved traveling with her husband and rooting on the Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team. However, her greatest joy was spending time with family, including a much-loved succession of Boston Terriers.
Always giving and gracious, Janet was happiest when doing and caring for others. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at St. Agnes Church, 247 Stanwich Road, Greenwich. A private burial service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breadline of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi (135 W. 31st Street, New York, N.Y. 10017-0667) or Abilis (50 Glenville Street, Greenwich, Conn. 06831), a local organization supporting people with special needs. Arrangements are under the care of Thomas M Gallagher Funeral Home (203) 359-9999. To send condolences to the family, please visit gallagherfuneralhome.com
