Janet Acker

Janet Lee (Anderson) Acker was born on May 18,1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, to Arnold Anderson and Lillian (Nelson) Anderson of West Hartford, Connecticut. She passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026 in Statesville, North Carolina which was her 86th birthday.

Raised in West Hartford, Janet was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where her love of music began early. As a child, she cherished the opportunity to sing in the role of St. Lucia in the church’s Christmas Pageant for two years.

Janet graduated as a member of the very first class of Conard High School in West Hartford in 1958. She went on to pursue her passion for music at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where she majored in voice.

She later married and lovingly adopted two children, building a family that remained central to her life.

Janet had a deep love for the performing arts and was actively involved with the Manchester Musical Players in Connecticut for over ten years. During that time, she embraced many roles both on and off the stage, including serving as President. She also shared her gift of singing through various church engagements.

Professionally, Janet dedicated many years to the healthcare industry, working in nursing homes where she served as both a secretary and Director of Admissions. Her work reflected her compassion, organization, and commitment to helping others.

Outside of her career, Janet had many passions. She was an avid tennis player for many years at the Glastonbury Tennis Club. She also had a keen eye for photography, creating beautiful cards from her photos, which she sold in several galleries.

In retirement, Janet made a bold move to Statesville, North Carolina, embracing a new chapter in her life. Drawn by the warmer climate and a simpler, more affordable lifestyle, she found Statesville online, purchased her house, and never looked back.

In Statesville, Janet quickly became an active member of the community. She joined the senior center and Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, served on committees, and participated in a local theatre group that performed throughout the community. She also volunteered at the local hospital and mentored children in elementary schools. Her energy and dedication were evident in all she did, including earning a gold medal at the Senior Games in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also served as President of her Homeowners Association for many years.

Janet was especially grateful to have family close by, as her daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons later moved to Statesville, where her grandsons went on to build families of their own. She enjoyed this chapter of life, surrounded by loved ones, neighbors, and dear friends. In addition, she has one son who continues to reside in Portland, Connecticut.

Preceding her passing were her son Paul’s wife Cheri (Bragg) Acker, her brother Wayne Anderson and his wife Ida, her father Carl Arnold Anderson and his wife Lillian (Nelson) Anderson, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Those left to cherish her memories are: son, Paul Acker, Wendy Acker-Hand, (Robert Hand), grandsons, Christien Tellier (Sam) and their children Logan Hudnall and Dakota Tellier, Dustin Hand, (Julie) and their children Linkin Hand, Parker Hand, Janet’s cousins, Linda Tremley, Holly Camerato, Mary Ellen Haase, Alan Anderson, her nephew and nieces Jeffrey Anderson, Christine Anderson, Deborah (Anderson) Gogan (Shawn), and her grand-nieces and nephew, Megan, Samantha, Caitlyn and Zackery.

 A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Nicholson Funeral Home, 135 E Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026

A graveside burial service will be held on May 30, 2026, at Fairview Cemetery, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107.

In accordance with her wishes, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 825 Wesley Drive, Statesville, NC 28677. For those who prefer to give online, please click the link below