Born on December 19, 1936, to James M. and Alison E. (Hatch) Aitken, Janet lived a life full of adventure, creativity, and boundless love, touching the hearts of everyone who had the joy of knowing her.
Her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to two children, Janet MacDonald (late Ralph Grande) of Hingham and Christopher Golden and his wife Evelyn (Lutz) of Hanson. She was a cherished grandmother to Tayla (Grande) Burke and her husband David of Dedham, Owen Golden, and Cameron Golden, both of Hanson. Becoming a great-grandmother to JJ Burke brought her immeasurable happiness. She also held a special place in her heart for her extended granddaughters, Alicia Grande of Virginia and Jillian (Grande) Raines of Fall River, and her great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Amari. Janet’s love extended far beyond immediate family—she leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of treasured friends.
She is reunited in peace with her parents, her sister Priscilla (Aitken) Carter, her first husband William MacDonald, and her son-in-law Ralph Grande.
Janet had a spirit as bright as the world she so loved to explore. An avid traveler, she embraced every journey with curiosity and enthusiasm, especially cherishing her years in Greece with her late husband and daughter. She was a gifted artist, finding beauty in the everyday and sharing her talents at the South Shore Art Festival in Cohasset. Janet was also a brilliant biologist, dedicating herself to a successful career in pharmaceutical research. Her passion for science was matched only by her perseverance—she worked tirelessly to put herself through school, determined to follow her dreams.
She also had a deep love for baking and cooking,trying new recipes, especially those that honored her Scottish heritage. She was famous for her Scottish shortbread cookies, which she lovingly made for family and friends.
Janet also had a sharp mind and a competitive spirit, which she channeled into her love of playing cribbage. She enjoyed the challenge of a good game, always ready with a clever strategy and a warm laugh. Many cherished memories were made around the cribbage board.
Above all else, Janet’s heart belonged to her family. She had a magical way of bringing warmth and laughter into any room. With a sharp wit, a clever sense of humor, and an unwavering kindness, she made everyone feel loved and special.
To know Janet was to love her, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to share in her life. Our world was a truly better place by having her in it.
A celebration of her beautiful life will be held on March 15th at 3:00 PM at All Souls Church, 196 Elm St, Braintree, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the South Shore Humane Society or World Wildlife Foundation, honoring her lifelong love for animals.
See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.
