Holyoke, MA – Janet C. (Powers) Douyard, 88, of Holyoke, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. Janet was born on October 13, 1937, in Northampton to the late Robert and Alma (Poudrier) Powers. Janet attended Northampton schools and went to Saint Michael’s High School. She was a communicant of the former Sacred Heart Church.
On July 23rd, 1956, Janet married William “Bill” Douyard. Janet and Bill had six children together. Janet worked for the VA in Leeds as a Food Service Supervisor until she retired in 1997. She was passionate about quilting and was a skilled seamstress, she made many quilts for family and loved ones. Janet and Bill loved to travel and often took their children and grandchildren with them. Whether as a day trip to Howe Caverns or a cross-country trip to Arizona, they racked up the miles by the thousands visiting family, amusement parks and national parks all over the country.
Janet and Bill launched a project called “Operation Gulf Bags” for troops deployed in the Gulf War. They handcrafted cribbage boards, buttons and included candy and toiletries. They packed and sent thousands of bags before passing the project to the VA.
She is survived by her children, Deborah Thornton of Amherst, Teri Martinbeault of Loveland, Colorado, William and his wife Chrissy of Shutesbury, Mark of Goshen, Robert of Cummington, James and his wife Roberta of Whatley, and her sister Ann Ouimette of Connecticut. Janet is survived by 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Janet is predeceased by her parents, husband William Douyard, son-in-law Alan Martinbeault and brother Gary Powers.
There will be a Calling Hour on Saturday March 7, 2026, from 10AM-11AM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 DAMON RD., NORTHAMPTON, MA. A Prayer Service will begin at 11AM at the Funeral Home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to: https://compassuslivingfoundation.org/give-now/
For additional details or to extend your condolences to the family, please visit: drozdalfuneralhome.com.
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