Janice M. Waterhouse

Janice Waterhouse November 6, 1936 - May 31, 2025 Janice May Darling Waterhouse passed away peacefully and with dignity on May 31, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was a woman of great faith and integrity who faced many challenges throughout her life with incredible courage and grace. She was born in Portland, Maine, to Raymond E. Darling Sr. and Viola M. (Bonang) Darling, and was the eldest of three children. She was raised in Ferry Village, South Portland, and was very proud of her Darling family heritage. Janice descended from a long line of fisherman and lobsterman, going back to Malaga Island and Harpswell, Maine. She graduated from South Portland High School in 1957 and a year later, married her brother-in-law’s younger brother, Richard E. Waterhouse Sr. When two sisters marry two brothers and each couple has four children, all raised in the same town, it makes for a very tight-knit family of double the cousins. Or, double the trouble, double the fun, but mostly, double the love. Janice was known as the “peacekeeper,” with love always being the only possible outcome. She was a homemaker and mother who managed to work various jobs in her younger years, before finally finding her place at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation & Residence, filling many roles. In retirement, Janice volunteered to help others, and often remarked, “I don't know how I ever found the time to work.” Faith was always important to Janice, and she attended several different churches, often at the same time, always singing in the choirs. But ultimately, what brought her the most joy and purpose was the role of mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. In addition to her parents, Janice was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Richard (Dick) E. Waterhouse Sr.; her brother, Raymond (Dicky) E. Darling Jr (Betty), and her brother- in-law, Ted. She leaves behind her four children, Theresa J. Halladay (John) of Scarborough, Richard E. Waterhouse Jr. (Bob) of Lyme, Connecticut, Gregory J. Waterhouse (Dan) of Portland, and Julieanne Hamrick (Chuck) of Gorham. She also leaves four grandchildren, John William (Beth), Kevin, Justin, and Kristopher, as well as three great grandchildren, Caitlynn, Aubree, and Hailie. Janice also leaves behind her adoring and fiercely devoted sister, Jean, who she always stole jokes from. Aunt Jean, please know you will never be alone, since you just inherited the four of us, plus our children, spouses, and even a couple of dogs. Also, our double cousins, Jeffery, Christopher, Lisa, and Ted. Also, nieces and nephews Melissa Darling, Andrew Darling, Sherri Waterhouse, and Michael Waterhouse, as well as very special cousin Donna (Everett) Brown. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Springbrook Center in Westbrook, especially to Martine, who always managed to find the joy and make our mom smile, laugh, and even dance. Family was everything to Janice and Mom, you will be missed. You were the glue that held us all together, you taught us well by example. Rest easy sweet lady, we have got it from here. As Janice requested, there will be a simple graveside service at 10 a.m. Monday, June 9 at Brooklawn Memorial Park and Cemetery, 2002 Congress St., Portland, Maine 04102. Arrangements are being made by A.T. Hutchins funeral home in Portland.