Janet M. Swallow

janet swallow

April 13, 1957 ~ March 12, 2026

Born in: Rockville Centre, New York
Resided in: Danvers, Massachusetts

Janet M. Swallow, 68, of Danvers, died tragically at her home on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Born in Rockville Centre, New York, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Helen (Zell) Martin.  She was raised and educated on Long Island before coming to the Boston area to attend Boston College, where she earned her degree in nursing.

Janet devoted her life to caring for others through her work as a nurse. She began her career at the former Hunt Memorial Hospital in Danvers and later served for more than 30 years at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington. Over the course of her long and dedicated career there, she worked first in the Critical Care Unit and later in the Intensive Care Unit, where she was respected by colleagues and deeply appreciated by the countless patients and families she helped during difficult moments.

Janet had a lifelong love of reading and was a member of several book clubs, where she cherished the opportunity to discuss literature and enjoy the companionship of friends. She especially valued the time spent with those close to her, sharing conversation, laughter, and friendship. She also loved the beach, where she found peace and happiness by the water.

She is survived by her two sons, John Swallow and his wife, Adriana, and Jason Swallow and his wife, Haley; her beloved granddaughter, Viviana; her stepson, Joshua Swallow and his wife, Danielle; her sister, Lesley Fuglister; her brother, Robert Martin; and two dear friends, Terry and Lisa.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers.  All other services are private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Danvers, MA 01923.  To share an expression of sympathy with Janet’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.

Services

Visitation: Sunday, March 22, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors
28 Elm St.
Danvers, MA 01923

(978) 777-7900
lyonsfuneral.com

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Janet M. Swallow 's name.

Northeast Animal Shelter

347 Highland Ave.

Salem,

MA

01960

978.745.9888

northeastanimalshelter.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Words cannot express how heartbreaking this is. Janet was a friend, a colleague, a mother, grandmother but most of all a beautiful person who loved life and her family. I will always cherish our friendship/memories and how she affected so many others. She was a dedicated nurse who cared about her patients, advocated for them even though the most difficult situations and held their hand as they passed into another life. Stay strong Janet, never lose your sense of humor and I’ll see ya in another life…..💔❤️

  2. My heart is heavy with the loss of Janet. I have known her since our days at the New England Deaconess before we both landed at Lahey Clinic. Our paths would cross often at Lahey as we collaborated about our patients. She will be missed terribly not only as a person but the amazing care she provided to her patients. Rest in peace my friend

  3. There are no words to describe how heartbreaking the loss of Janet is. We started as new graduates at NEDH in 1979, choosing the ICU in 1981. By 1986, I was at Lahey. She soon followed. We spent many years working in Critical Care together. I was married by then, and she always called me Connie Chung, mostly Connie, never Kathleen. She was a wonderful nurse, providing exceptional care to her patients and families, no matter how challenging the situation was. She had a great sense of humor, and lived life to the fullest.

  4. I worked with Janet for many years in the MICU before I retired. To have her die such a tragic and brutal death is beyond comprehension. She was a wonderful caring nurse, second to none. A super human being. I’m sure she is up there with her angel wings looking down and watching over her family. Rest in peace my friend. Save a seat up there for me for when we meet again. Auriel Chin

  5. I am so sorry, I only knew her a very short time ago, but I loved her. She was the nicest person ever. RIP 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏
    Prayers for everyone 🙏🙏🙏

  6. I have been close friends with Janet for over 40 years. Janet had a heart of gold. She was part of our group of friends that rented a beach house on Plum Island for several summers and we have all retained our special friendship for all these years since. For years, Janet used to watch my dog when I had a job that required travel and she and her sons John and Jason took such good care of my dog I had to talk my dog into coming back home with me after I came back from a trip. Everyone who knew Janet is stunned and crushed over losing her and the tragic way she lost her life. RIP Janet. We all loved you.

  7. On behalf of Massachusetts Nurses Honor Guard Ann Os Watch To the Family & Friends of Nurse Janet M. Swallow know we express our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathies. Thank you, Nurse Janet for your outstanding dedication, and service to nursing, a career that reflected your empathy, caring, kindness, and compassion. Thank you for your love and service to others. Your nurse colleagues: Brothers and Sisters will take over from here. May you rest in peace. May fond memories of you live on.

  8. I worked with Janet when I was a young Nurse in the ICU at Hunt Hospital. In the short time I worked there I remember her kindness and laughter and the knowledge she had. I am so sorry for the tragic loss of this wonderful woman , mother , grandmother and friend to so many . May she rest in peace.

  9. Janet was such a kind and genuine person, and it was an honor to work with her. She will be deeply missed by everyone at the Parr McKnight Wealth Management Group. We are keeping her family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

    – The Parr McKnight Wealth Management Group

  10. I did know Janet, but my heart hurts for the entire family, I pray God’s peace and comfort upon you all.

  11. I did not know your mother but I wish I did . She sounds like an amazing woman . I am so deeply sorry for your loss my heart breaks for your family i will be 🙏 praying for your family 💔

  12. I work in the blood bank at LHMC and we work closely to support the ICU. I didn’t get a chance to know Janet but I wanted to send my condolences to her family. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  13. I just want to express how sorry I am for your loss. I remember briefly talking to her and she was just absolutely pleasant and just made me feel so happy. My thoughts are with you all. I am very sorry for your loss.

  14. Janet is being remembered by her friends she’s known most of her life from an early age. As a high school classmate at Maria Regina, she left an impacting impression that will live on in our memories of her humor, laughter, compassion, intelligence and her devotion to being the light in so many lives of those she worked with as well and cared for. RIP Janet – thank you for loving memories in our hearts.

  15. Our deepest condolences to the family of Janet Swallow. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. We are so grateful to have spent time with her over Christmas and will miss her so very much. All our love, Eric, Vicki, Sydney, Zoe and Brady Fuglister

  16. I have so many good memories of time spent with Janet that I still cannot process that this could have happened. Janet has been a close friend of our extended family since she and Lisa were nursing students at BC. They even lived with Gary and me for a while in a house we bought before our marriage – to ward off parental disapproval!! Janet was part of our 7 summers on Plum Island – with a wonderful group of people that all remain close even today. We took many trips together – Iceland, Cayman Islands, Charleston to name a few. After the first time we wondered “How did we ever travel without her?” – she was fun, energetic, adventurous and such a great addition to any trip. Glad I knew her and will miss our Jagnetta a lot.

  17. Janet was my preceptor in the CCU at Lahey Clinic in 1991. She was an exceptional nurse, with keen critical thinking skills, excellent judgement, and a wicked sense of humor. She taught me well. She spoke proudly and frequently of her sons, who she loved fiercely. I was shocked and saddened to hear of her tragic death. She left an indelible mark on my life. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

  18. Jason and John I’m sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your mother, but she was a mother of two great men. That speaks volumes.
    – James Smart

  19. Dear Joshua, John and family,
    I am heartbroken for your loss, a bright light has been taken from your world, she was so proud of you, and adored you and your families. Your mom was a dear and special childhood friend. We were fast friends, since we were four years old, living a house apart on Locust Street in North Merrick, well into our adult lives. We shared many, many fun times growing up together, through grammar school, high school and after college. Lots of laughter, adventures and shenanigans! She was a wonderful friend and I am heartbroken. I will remember her fondly and with great love. Hoping your memories will comfort you all. With love, Kathy Collins Hoffman

  20. Janet , I’ll hold dear my memories of Myself , Terri and you on our Pitbull concert adventure. We had so much fun and laughs that night . You were a light that’ll glow forever more in many hearts of people who loved and adored you .

  21. John, Jason and the rest of the Swallow family. I’m sorry that any of you are experiencing this. Please know that I, along with multiple others are praying for all of you. Praying that God gives you comfort and strength. Most of all, praying he gives you peace and surrounds you with his love. Love you guys! MAC

  22. Janet was truly family to me. Some of my favorite memories are traveling together, especially our recent time in Miami Beach. I will carry those moments with me always.

  23. I worked with Janet for 22 years at LHMC She was a devoted Mom, MICU Nurse , Colleague, and friend! She was incredibly compassionate with her patients! As a Respiratory Therapist I worked with Janet closely! She had a great sense of humor and referred to me as Kathy Yo ! I am still trying to comprehend this tragic ending! My heart is broken for her son’s and family! Please remember the good times with your Mom and know how much she loved you and always talked about you! RIP Janet! We will miss you! A beautiful life was snuffed out but your light will always burn brightly! Kathy Yo!!❤️🙏

  24. I worked with Janet in the CCU/MICU. Thank you Janet for your sense of humor. Your were a mentor and a friend. So very sorry this has happened to you and your family. Praying for peace and strength to your family.
    Rest peacefully Janet…

  25. Wonderful human being, outstanding nurse and teacher, and a personal friend. You left a powerful legacy and I will keep you in my heart forever.
    God bless you and all your family
    Maurizio

  26. I worked with Janet at Lahey for many years, . She always had a smile on her face and a joke on her mind .
    She was a kind and caring nurse and a great human being . She will be missed.
    Janet keep smiling, and shine down from the stars with your light. When you do , will be smiling too .
    I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all ,
    God speed Jane ,rest in peace .

  27. It absolutely broke my heart to hear that Janet was so suddenly and tragically snatched away from all who loved her.
    The year that I knew and worked with her at Lahey will be forever imprinted on my heart. I’ll never forget her quirky sense of humor, or the kindness she showed me when I was a new CNL in the MICU. My condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace Janet!


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