Janet Bryant Sheridan died peacefully Dec. 29, 2010, at Kline Hospice House, Mount Airy, Md., surrounded by family.

Born Aug. 23, 1924, to Elinor and John Sawyer of Wakefield, Mass., the third of four siblings. She attended Green Mountain College, Vt., and then worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital (Washington, D.C.) as an occupational therapist, pioneering programs for the hospital’s prison population.

There she met practicing physician Joseph L. Sheridan, and they married in 1949.

They resided in Washington, D.C., raising two daughters, Anne and Kathryn. She worked for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) developing educational programs and resources, and as liaison to undergraduate organizations.

She and her husband retired to their vacation home on Rackliff Island, Maine.

Over the years they visited their family on San Juan Island, frequently, making many friends.

During the extended cancer treatment of daughter Anne’s late partner, Anthony J. Lee, Jan and Joe took up temporary residence in Friday Harbor, offering support and care for their granddaughters. Later they moved to Buckingham’s Choice, a retirement community in Adamstown, Md.

Ever creative, Jan enjoyed fine sewing, quilting, a variety of handcrafts, and gardening. She loved nature: watching birds and clouds, and beachcombing. She was renowned for her generous hospitality and volunteer efforts in support of community programs.

Her husband Joseph preceded her in death.

She is survived by daughters Anne Sheridan of Friday Harbor, Wash., and Kathryn Sheridan of Westminster, Md., and spouse, Dean Camlin; grandchildren Erika and Jennifer Lee of Friday Harbor, Wash., and Elizabeth and Joseph Camlin of Westminster, Md.; and 13 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of San Juan, P.O. Box 1434, Friday Harbor, WA. 98250.

— Family of Janet Bryant Sheridan