Janis Carol (Simmons) Lawson, 79, passed away on January 31, 2017 at the Sussman House in Rockport, Maine having lost her battle with Dementia/ Alzheimers Disease with her loving family by her side. Janis was born on Christmas Day 1937 to parents Irving Simmons and Florence Spence Simmons at the Knox Hospital in Rockland, Maine.

Having lived in Thomaston, Maine for many years she worked at the area seafood processing canneries as well as taking care of clients in their homes. She was an “accomplished” crabmeat picker in the area for many years. Janis was always known as a hardworking, independent woman and her family says she would prefer to give than receive and had a big-heart and would do anything for others.
Some of Janis’s favorite pastimes were doing crafts, she loved country music, loved being involved in her grandchildrens lives and so fondly recalled the times she got to travel to New York and Nashville, Tennesee. Everyone who knew her opted to call her “Ma” whether related or not.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Vickie Simmons and her companion Rob McLellan of Thomaston, Me., Holly Lawson and her fiance’ Scott Lermond of Rockport, ME. And her son Robert Lawson Jr. and his companion Paula Byrnes of Cushing, ME. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren Justin McLellan, Nathan McLellan, Jessie Lermond, Lacey Lermond, Renee Lawson and Shawn Sprague. She is also survived by Three Great- Grandchildren, Leah, Sophia, and Noah. Two sisters Gwen Poland of Round Pond, ME and Linda Maloney of Cushing, ME. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Janis was predeceased by her parents, her two husbands Virgil Simmons and Robert Lawson. Her infant daughter Renee Lynn and her brother Robert Simmons.

A graveside service will be held for Janis in the Spring of 2017 where Janis will be laid to rest in the Harbor Cemetery in Friendship, Maine.
Hall’s of Thomaston has care of the arrangements. To express online condolences please visit her Book of Memories at www.Hallfuneralhomes.com.