Janet Elizabeth Whitcomb Merritt , born January 22, 1930, passed away peacefully in her own home in Williamsburg, Virginia on September 24, 2025. She was 95. Jan was born in Troy New Hampshire and spent her childhood there and in White River Junction Vermont. She went to The Conservatory of Music and the Nursery Training School at Tufts University in Boston. She married Earl S. Merritt in June 1952, and they spent their early married life in St. Johns Newfoundland Canada where Earl was stationed.

Jan’s days were filled with family, children, and making her home happy and welcoming. Her baking was legendary. After the children were grown, she even baked and sold beautifully decorated wedding cakes. The house often smelled of baked bread or dinners made with spices Earl brought home from his travel. Jan was an expert in the kitchen. Fresh fruits and vegetables were canned or pickled, new ingredients led to research on different cuisines. Her homemade chocolate liqueur was a favorite when dining with friends. She had a knack for inspired dinner parties and warm welcoming hospitality.

Jan took to many activities with enthusiasm, creating beautiful gardens, sewing clothes, costumes for church plays and things for the house, weaving, and many other crafts. She eagerly took on the project of researching and recording family history back 6 generations for both her own family and Earl’s and was still working on this the day she died. She created books filled with stories about the ancestors and even cookbooks that she shared with extended family. She loved to travel whether it was visiting her dad in New Hampshire, her mom in Vermont, camping with the family, or touring England and France with Earl.

Of all these things, music was her great love. The daughter of a music teacher, Jan played the piano, the bells, and even the tympani drums. She had a beautiful soprano voice that she shared with several church choirs, especially Lewinsville Presbyterian Church.

Jan was predeceased by her parents, Mildred Holtham and James Whitcomb; her beloved husband Earl; daughters Andrea Merritt Arabak and Donna Kovalcheck; grandson John Russell; and siblings Judy Hall and Parker Whitcomb. Janet is survived by her daughters Susan Merritt, Ann Merritt Mullins, and Lili Merritt; her grandchildren Thomas, Raymond and James Russell; Jason and Erin Mullins; Kyle, Carter, and Troy Kovalcheck, and Alexandra Arabak; great grandson Evan Russell and twin great-grandsons due soon. She was loved and will be missed by her extended family and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am, Saturday January 17 at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. In keeping with Jan’s joyous outlook on life, vibrant colors and cheerful prints are encouraged. Burial will be at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean Virginia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FISH in Jan’s honor. FISH, an all-volunteer nonprofit agency, has been providing food, hygiene items, clothing, and basic housewares assistance to residents in need in the Greater Williamsburg area since 1975. FISH depends solely upon the generosity of a caring community for volunteers, donations of goods for its clients, and financial support. FISH serves its clients regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. Donate to FISH