Janet Marie (Schmelzinger) McGhee of Newbury, wife of the late Jack G. McGhee of Plum Island Massachusetts and longtime friend and companion of the late Michael Comparone of Salisbury, Massachusetts, died with her daughter, Amy, by her side on September 13, 2012.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, daughter of Walter and Blanche (Moulton) Schmelzinger, she graduated salutatorian from Springfield Technical High School, 1944, and salutatorian from American International College, 1948. After graduation from college, Janet attended Smith College for her Masters Degree in Social Work. She left Smith before obtaining her degree to marry and raise her family of eight children. An advocate of lifelong education, she continued to take classes while working and raising her family and obtained her Master's Degree in Education from Worcester State College, 1982.

Janet leaves behind five daughters and three sons: Bonnijill McElwain, Judiann McGhee Slosar, Jack G. McGhee, Heather Stein, Laurie McGhee, Richard McGhee, Robert McGhee and Amy McGhee of North Bend, Washington, as well as twelve grandchildren and one great grandson.

Janet resided for a number of years in Goshen, New Hampshire, Plum Island and Holden, Massachusetts, and North Bend, Washington. Janet loved to garden and she had fruitful gardens wherever she lived. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren. She loved the ocean and taking long walks.