Janet Rae Steeves dies at Maine Veterans Home in South Paris
Surrounded by family in the early morning hours on November 11, 2026, Janet Rae Steeves died at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris after living with Alzheimer’s Disease, Legacy reported.
Born in Watertown, New York on April 20, 1947, to Truman Francis Salisbury and Jane Grace Butler, she grew up in Rossie, New York. She graduated from Hammond High School in June 1964 and earned a certificate from the Watertown School of Commerce in 1965.
Her career spanned civilian contracting, education, and parish work. She worked for the U.S. Army as a civilian contractor in telecommunications for eight years, later taking positions at the Baxter School for the Deaf and the Gorham Campus of the University of Southern Maine. Her final employment was at St. Michael’s Church in Auburn, alongside running her own business typing files for several clients.
She moved to Maine in 1981 and built a life centered around family, handcrafts, and local organizations. She was predeceased by her husband of almost thirty-five years, Gerald E. Steeves, as well as her brother James Salisbury, niece Tina Weir, and nephew James Salisbury II.
She is survived by her children: Rhonda Vickerson (Steeves), children Juno, Joshua, and Jeremy; Lonnie Sue Steeves and wife, Susan McAllaster; Michael Steeves and wife Joanne, daughter Abigail Haviland (Steeves) and husband Gem, daughter Anabelle; JJ Steeves, wife Theresa, daughter Sophie and daughter Larissa; and Elizabeth Blanchard (Steeves), Son-in-law Damon Blanchard and son James.
She also leaves behind her Sisters Joyce Baker and Jari Robbins, Niece Danille Robins and family, Niece Janel Salsbury and family, Nephew Van Baker, Nephew Matt Dwyer and family, and Niece Katie Dwyer Jewett and family.
Beyond her career and family, she enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting, playing computer games (Mahjong being her favorite), and spending time with her grandchildren and cats. She was active in her church, community organizations, Eastern Star (where she was past Matron several times) and on Rainbow Girls Advisory Board until Alzheimer’s took that away.
The family expressed gratitude to the staff at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris for taking such wonderful care of their mother for the almost 2 years that she resided there.
Services are held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Auburn on Thursday 11/19/2026 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to treat Alzheimer’s Disease, Eastern Star, and Maine Veterans Home in South Paris, Maine.