Janet A. Ratcliffe, age 105 passed away on May 29, 2023.

Born in Lowell, the daughter of the late William and Janet M. Ratcliffe. She lived in New Bedford since 1940 and was a member of Smith Mills Christian Congregation Church.

She graduated from Lowell High School in 1934. She graduated from Lowell State Teachers College in 1939 and taught briefly in Ludlow. In 1940 she accepted a position of Music Supervisor in the New Bedford School System. She built the high school music program adding courses and expanding the program. In 1961 she became the Director of Vocal Music for the city. She retired after 38 years.

Janet was involved in the music programs of the Inter-Church Council as soloist, choir and bell choir director. She was the choir director at the Pilgrim United church of Christ and led the Handbell Ringers, and conducted the Church Women United Choir for many years.

She was a volunteer in many organizations including YWCA, Quota Club and the Clement Yaeger Music Scholarship committee.

She went on to receive her MA degree in Music from Columbia University and attended many choral conducting workshops and conferences. She was a member of Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a women educator honor society.

She is survived by her nephew Kenneth B. Ratcliffe and his wife Ruby; two grand- nieces Heather Gray and Lauren Tobiassen; and grand- nephew Todd and his wife, Jennifer; two great-grand nephews Zachory Goldberg and Marshall Ratcliffe; and great grand- niece Abby Goldberg.

She was the sister of the Late G. Kenneth Ratcliffe and M. Ruth Ratcliffe.

 Wilson Chapel 479 County Street at the corner of Elm Street, New Bedford provided burial in the family plot in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River.

Remembrance may be made in Janet's name to the charity of one's choice.