Janis Marie (Parr) Stenbak

Janis Marie (Parr) Stenbak, age 79, passed away April 18, 2024 in Westbrook, ME. A longtime resident of Nashua, NH, Jan also lived in New York, Washington State, and Sanandaj, Iran.

Jan is survived by sons Saul Stenbak (Carolyn), Jesse Stenbak (Tori), grandchildren Amelia and Hazel Stenbak and Eli, Esme and Iris Stenbak, niece Carolyn Parr, and many life-long friends. She was preceded in death by husband Roger, brother Philip, and parents Elton and Peg Parr.

Jan enjoyed a happy childhood in Maine, New York surrounded by a close circle of family and friends. She graduated from Union Endicott High School in 1962 and majored in nursing at Jamestown Community College. Shortly after graduating, she joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in Sanandaj, Iran. It is there that she developed an interest in maternity and infant care and, significantly, met her husband of 43 years and love of her life, Roger Stenbak, at a Christmas party.

Jan and Roger lived in a camp on Mosquito Lake Road in rural Washington State with no running water or electricity. It was here where sons Saul and Jesse were born. The young family moved to the east coast in 1977, settling in Nashua, NH where they lived for many decades. Jan worked as a newborn nurse at Matthew Thornton (now Dartmouth-Hitchcock), developing a specialization in infant massage and breastfeeding. She then started a second career as a massage therapist, known for accepting pies for payment and never turning away someone in need of her healing touch.

A life-long feminist and activist, Jan devoted time to causes benefitting women and children. She enjoyed gardening, fabric arts, weekends at her camp, and spending time with her cats. She had many over the years. Additionally, Jan was known for building and maintaining life-long groups of women friends, who were as important and meaningful to her as family.

Jan will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, fierceness, and free spirit. She had an uncanny ability to connect with people, appreciating their unique gifts, and giving freely of herself. She is deeply missed.

Please consider a donation in Jan’s memory to the National Abortion Rights Action League or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Jan’s life will take place on May 11, 2024, (open house from 1:00-4:00) at 406 Boynton Street, Bedford, New Hampshire, 03110.