Janet S. Packish of Bonita Springs, Fla. and Martha’s Vineyard died on April 24. She was 88.

She was born on Martha’s Vineyard, one of the 11 children of the late Jesse and Florence Thurber Steere. She grew up a few streets away from the Packish family, who had 10 children.

Janet Steere married the neighbor boy George Packish on April 17, 1953. George was a dental assistant on the Island when they married. He then went to work for his father as a painter and Janet took his role as the dental assistant. George served in the U.S. Army for 2 years and upon his discharge the couple returned to Martha’s Vineyard. Janet went to work as a bookkeeper. She was noted for her thoroughness and was hired by many businesses.

After moving to Falmouth she worked at the telephone company and became a telecommunications expert. When President John F. Kennedy was visiting the Cape, Janet handled all phone communications made by the president, his family and anyone with him. She was asked to sit on the planning board for Falmouth.

Among her many talents she was an exceptional seamstress. She was commissioned to create a dress for a woman to wear in an audience with Queen Elizabeth, II. In her free time she loved to crochet, build furniture, and diagnose and repair anything mechanical.

Her family describes her as being unique, wonderful, caring, devoted, extremely intelligent, and a kind and gentle soul that was as close to perfect as you could get in this world.

Janet is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, George Packish; adopted daughter Sandy Carpenter and her husband Don; siblings Gloria Steere, Nancy Howes, David Steere, Stephen Steere, and Rosemary Findley and her husband Earl; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings Shirley, Emily, Deborah, Jesse Jr. and Marilyn.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in East Falmouth on June 10 at a time to be announced.

Condolences may be left for her family at shikanyfuneralhome.com.