Janet May Mattison Hollister

Janet May Mattison Hollister, born October 2nd, 1927, at the George Mattison farmhouse, on Maple Hill, in Shaftsbury Vt (to Lloyd and Marion Mattison), peacefully passed away Wednesday, September 9th while a resident at the Vermont Veteran’s Home in Bennington, VT. Just short of her 93rd birthday, Janet was a long-time resident of Bennington where, for more than 50 years, she operated a Day Care Center out of her home on Beech Street, and was adored by several generations of children who fondly remember her loving care. Preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hollister (who died 11/17/2008) and stepson Richard Ronald Hollister (June 22,2004) Janet and Dick enjoyed 61 years of marriage, loved to dance, and together had seven children. Raised on a farm in Shaftsbury, Janet was well known for her sewing and upholstery skills in addition to her friendly disposition and infectious laughter. She loved to be around people and “visiting” was one of her favorite pastimes. In her earlier years, she expressed her artistic side painting with watercolors and her musical side with the violin. Janet and Dick loved to travel and made several trips across the US visiting family and friends along the way. Truly a matriarch who was loved and respected by her family Janet leaves a legacy of love through her surviving children, Gloria Rodgers, Alan (Patricia) Hollister, David (Nancy) Hollister, Pamela (Kent) Ketzner, Patti (Craig) Becker, Bonnie (Randy) Wilkins and Tyler (Denise) Hollister. In addition, there are 19 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Janet also has one surviving sibling, her sister Besse (Leo) Budro of Arlington and sister in law Beatrice (Gerald) Mattison of Shaftsbury. Janet will be missed, loved, and remembered fondly by all family members as the “Queen” who gave selflessly and taught us, by example, how to care for others.Calling hours will be held Tuesday September 15, 2020 from 10am to 12pm at the Shea Family Funeral Home, 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT.The public service will be held on Tuesday September 15 at 2pm at the family lot in White Chapel Cemetery. Those attending calling hours and the graveside service are asked to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing practices. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to The Vermont Veterans Home- Activities Fund, Second Chance Animal Center or Sunrise Family Resource Center in care of the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home,213 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. To view the service online, please copy and paste the below link into your web browser: https://zoom.us/j/99185806568 (Zoom meeting ID 943 6281 7770)