Janet Reed Hale

Janet R. Hale, 97, passed away on April 3, 2024. “I was born at Wesson Memorial Hospital in Springfield, MA on the 3rd of November, 1926, being greeted by my mother and father, Georgia and Howard Reed and her two year old sister, Fay.

The first six years of my life were spent living in East Longmeadow, but in 1932 my family moved to Springfield. I attended Springfield Schools, graduating from Technical High School in 1944. I received my Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Art from Randolph-Macon Women’s College (now Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA in 1948.

During the next few years, I found clerical work at MIT in Boston, did merchandising in North Conway, New Hampshire and at my uncle’s store, The Carroll Reed Ski Shops.

Upon returning from a European tour, I settled down to concentrate on my artistic abilities establishing a series of pencil sketches of Springfield landmarks which I had reproduced on note paper and sold through gift shops, clubs and for fundraising purposes. “Springfield Impressions” led to commissions for local homes, churches, businesses and a series of views of Smith College and Mount Holyoke College.

In 1955, Alan Hale of East Longmeadow and I were married and lived in West Springfield, where he worked for Friendly’s Ice Cream Co. In 1959, we moved to Wilbraham along with Friendly’s. We lived there for 54 years before moving to Reed’s Landing in 2013.

My former volunteer activities included the Junior League of Springfield, College Club, Wesson Maternity Hospital Auxiliary, Springfield Symphony Chorus, the Women’s Symphony League, Springfield Art League, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, and the Wilbraham Women’s Club. I was also affiliated with the Church of the Epiphany in Wilbraham.

I was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Alan Hale and leaves my daughter Jane C. Hale of Ellington, CT; my son Alan W. Hale and his wife Julie and 3 granddaughters Anne, Allie and Zoe of all of La Cañada Flintridge, CA.

For a full and happy life, I thank the Good Lord. Au revoir!”

Memorial services will be held at Reed's Landing, 807 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield, MA on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 12 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Janet’s memory may be made to National MS Society, PO Box #91891, Washington, D.C. 20090​. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com