ORNWALL — There will be a celebration of life for Janet Elaine Mahoney (née Whitney) and James Arthur Whitney Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Cornwall. Janet and Jim were the children of Henry and Beatrice (Parkhill) Whitney.

Janet was born in Cornwall, Vt., and made her home in Methuen, Mass., where she lived most of her life. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Robert Mahoney; her daughter Karen Nadeau and her husband Walter; her son Scott Mahoney; her cherished granddaughter Jolie Nadeau; and her sister-in-law Sandy Whitney. She passed away Oct. 1, 2025, in Winchester, Mass.

Janet began her professional life as an English teacher at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, where she shared her love of literature and language with her students. She later devoted herself full-time to her family, creating a home filled with warmth, curiosity, and love.

Jim Whitney was married to Sandra Endrodi Whitney for 50 years, and they had two sons, Nathaniel and Daniel.

He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Benjamin Whitney, Abigail Whitney, Ethan Whitney, Ezra Whitney, and Elias Whitney. He passed away March 18, 2026, in Athens, Ga.

Jim graduated with both a B.S. and M.S. from MIT (1968), and a Ph.D. from Stanford (1972). He came to the University of Georgia as a “Temporary Assistant Professor” in Geology in 1972 and retired as a Full Professor in 2001. During this time, he served as department head of Geology for eight years, as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for four years and as department head of Anthropology for two years.

While he was head of the Geology department, in 1988, he created what is now the Interdisciplinary Field Program, teaching Geology, Anthropology and Ecology as students travel across the U.S. during the Summer term. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling the world.

Although their lives took them to other parts of the world, they always thought of Cornwall as “home.” The families of Janet and Jim wish to offer their appreciation to everyone for joining them in celebration of their lives. A Committal will take place at the gravesite next door for Janet immediately following the service. Everyone is invited to join with the family for a reception in the narthex (entryway) of the church following the graveside service. Janet’s one pet peeve was wearing black, so everyone is invited to wear the brightly colored clothing of their choosing.◊