GILMANTON --- Janice “Jan” R. Best passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, November 18, 2023, surrounded by love and appreciation from her family and friends, at the Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord, NH.
Jan was an avid reader, an aspiring photographer and a seasoned parent-cheerleader in the bleachers or courtside of all school events. She was a resource to most, a friend to many and a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother to the lucky ones.
She was born to the late Ruth (Connolly) and Franklin Elliott in Pawtucket, RI, where she grew up alongside her sister Judith and her brother Joseph. The three called Pawtucket home for many years, enjoying trips to the beach together before Jan put down roots in New Hampshire with her long-time love Barry Best.
Jan and Barry married in 1978 in Gilmanton, NH. This past July, they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They had countless adventures together, including building their first home with help from friends and family during a cold New Hampshire winter. Soon after, their family grew with children Jessica, Alyssa and CJ (and Tigger their one eyed cat).
As a family they had many escapades, most made possible by a white van they affectionately called, “The White Whale”. “The White Whale” brought them all over Maine on camping trips with friends who became family. They traveled between mountains and beaches, always enjoying the beauty around them. Close to home, they were members of Gardener’s Cove and spent their free time in the summer sitting under the trees, looking out over the pond, and listening for the loons. Many days were spent in the company of a core group of families from town and beyond, watching each other’s children grow up, become adults and begin their own families. Jan especially enjoyed watching this next generation build sandcastles, swim out to the raft and float around in the sunshine.
Professionally, Jan was educated at Northeastern University and soon after graduation became a teacher at Gilford Middle High School where she taught English. When her children were young, Jan worked part time at the Belknap County Department of Corrections preparing inmates for their high school equivalency test. This is where she discovered her passion. She soon became the Programs Director at Belknap County Department of Corrections, a role which she retired from more than 20 years later. She served the county for over 33 years, always prioritizing dedication and advocacy. She was always more than what the system expected of a teacher; she got to know all of her students and their stories, she encouraged, she treated them all with respect and dignity regardless of their offenses and expected (and received) the same from them. She was a true advocate and a role model. She impacted countless lives across the county with her relentless focus on recovery and personal growth.
Jan intentionally began her retirement just before the birth of her first grandchild. She and Barry were storybook grandparents who lovingly cared for their grandchildren from their home adding countless toys and books to their family room until it resembled a daycare center. Their gaggle of grandchildren includes Lily and Sadie Bishop, Koen Best, and Roque and Zeke Sousa. Jan always loved to read, but never more than when reading to a grandchild while they fell asleep in her arms.
Until they meet again.
She is survived by the love of her life, Barry Best; daughters, Jessica and her husband Allan Bishop of Gilmanton Iron Works, NH, Alyssa and her husband Ben Sousa of Reading, MA; and son CJ and his wife Carly Best of Campton, NH. Jan is also survived by Joseph Elliott and wife Staci Rhine of Columbus, Ohio and brother-in-law Richard Zwolinski of Leland, NC along with several nieces and nephews she loved dearly. Jan was predeceased by her mother Ruth Elliott whom she lovingly cared for through her later years. Jan was also predeceased by her sweet older sister Judith Zwolinski.
Jan’s favorite novel was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. She would love to leave us all with a literary reminder of what truly matters: “People always think that happiness is a faraway thing…something complicated and hard to get. Yet, what little things can make it up; a place of shelter when it rains - a cup of strong hot coffee when you're blue…a book to read when you're alone - just to be with someone you love. Those things make happiness.”
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to in Jan’s name to Horizons Counseling Center, 61 Beacon St., Suite 3, Laconia, NH 03246
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.