JANET RUTH (RYAN) LIZOTTE

BRIDPORT — Janet Ruth (Ryan) Lizotte, 78 years old, of Bridport, passed away on Dec. 2, 2025, at Porter Medical Center, surrounded by the love she had cultivated. Janet was born on July 2, 1947, in Middlebury to Ernest and Ruth (Atwood) Ryan.

A lifelong resident of Bridport, Vt., Janet graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1965. On July 1, 1967, Janet married the love of her life, Carroll Thomas Lizotte. Together, they were lifetime residents of Bridport, dwelling on the land given to them as a wedding gift. Janet worked for more than 35 years for Middlebury College in the custodial department, specializing in the athletics department, where the team’s attire looked brand new for every game.

Janet was known by the community as a person who was selfless, understanding and kind. She would always step up to help a neighbor in need. She was a staunch supporter of the Bridport Volunteer Fire Department and an avid equine lover, raising many horses of her own. Her hands were rarely still. Janet enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting, painting, cross stitch, diamond art, Elvis and country music.

Janet is survived by her three devoted daughters and their families, Laurie Ballantine and her husband Daniel; Kathy McIntyre and her husband Erik; and Tanya Lizotte; and her grandchildren, Tyler Ballantine, Keith McIntyre and Kyle McIntyre. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Rheaume, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Janet was predeceased by her husband, Carroll Thomas “Tom” Lizotte; her parents, Ernest and Ruth Ryan; her brothers, Robert, Ronald, and Ernest Ryan Jr.; and her cherished granddaughter, Adasen Ballantine.

A celebration of her life and burial will take place in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bridport Fire and Rescue, located at 125 Crown Point Rd., Bridport VT 05734. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury, Vt. ◊