Janet K. Roberts, a former resident of Park Street and more recently of Walloomsac Apartments in Bennington, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 3, 2018.

Born in Winchester, MA on January 14, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Charles L. and Florence (Rockwood) Kinsley. She received her early education in the Bennington schools, graduated from Bennington High School and later received a degree from Pittsfield Business College in Pittsfield, MA.

She was first married to William B. “Corky” Flynn and later to Norman A. Roberts. Both of her husbands predeceased her. She is survived by a daughter, Judith A. Nolan and her husband Tommy of Davey, FL; a son, Steven Flynn and his wife Lisa of Bennington; and three grandsons, Flynn M. Nolan, Riley O. Flynn and Morgan M. Flynn. She was predeceased by her oldest son Thomas John Flynn who died in 1971.

In earlier years, Janet was employed in the office of Kelly Oil and later as an accounts payable clerk for the Bennington School District, a position from which she retired in 1992.

Janet is best known in the Bennington area for her unique expertise as a baton twirler and was one of the first twirlers in the state of Vermont. Well recognized for her teaching skills, she founded the Janet Flynn School of Baton in the 1950s, taught many young twirlers for numerous years at the former YMCA building on Main Street and produced several championship twirlers from her elite group of “Green Mountainettes.” She also mentored majorettes and color guard units from the Bennington High School, Bennington Catholic High School and Mount Anthony Union High School bands. Janet rarely missed a local parade during her life and attended her last on Bennington Battle Day this past August.

Janet will always be remembered for her bright smile, kindness and readiness to laugh. She was loving and loyal to family and friends and had a special place in her heart for animals throughout her life. In her later years, Janet suffered from macular degeneration, but she never complained, lived a full life and kept marching on.

A memorial service celebrating and remembering Janet will be held from Mahar & Son Funeral Home on Saturday, October 13th. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a service of reflection and reception at the funeral home. A private committal service will take place in the family lot at Park Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and should friends desire, memorial contributions in Janet Robert’s memory may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter and/or the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired through the office of Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

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