Janet Doris Ward

Janet Doris (Duguay) Ward, 79, beloved wife of Russell L. Ward who predeceased her in 1994, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning October 15, 2025, at her home in Chicopee with her loving family at her side.

Janet was born on April 1, 1946, in Holyoke, MA, and she was the daughter of Ernest N. and Doris E. (Masse) Duguay. She was raised and educated in Chicopee and was a graduate of Chicopee High School. Janet had a 30+ year career as the Office Manager for King Ward Coach Lines. Before her husband’s passing they enjoyed camping with family and friends and square dancing.

Her true passion in life was spending time with her family, doting over her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as a second-generation babysitter and even a dog-sitter for Gabby. Janet was a very generous person who had a heart of gold. Her presence will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She leaves her loving daughter, Penny Gagnon and husband, Ken. She was very proud of her grandsons Geoffrey Gagnon and his wife, Victoria, and Gregory Gagnon and his wife, Erica. But her five great grandchildren, Jack, Tyler, Nathalie, Amelia, and Charlotte brought her the most pleasure of all.

A private funeral and burial will be held for Janet. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society. Janet’s family would like to especially thank Holyoke Hospice Care for the support and assistance. Brunelle Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.