Janet L. Parthum's Obituary
Janet L. (Bridgeman) Parthum, 69, of Hampstead, NH, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on the early morning of Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Her devoted husband of 50 years, H. William (Bill) Parthum, was by her side. She had faced a courageous 14-year battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia with grace and strength.
Janet was born into a Navy family on July 3, 1955, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Charles (CPO) and Ola Mae Bridgeman. Her early years were filled with adventure as her family traveled extensively, including a tour in Morocco, before settling in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Nathan Bedford Forrest High School and later met her husband, a young naval officer awaiting flight training. They were married in August 1974 at the NAS Pensacola Chapel, beginning a life of shared journeys. Together, they moved with the Navy, living in Texas, Florida (where Janet earned her Associate degree from Pensacola Junior College), Hawaii, and California before making their home in Hampstead in 1995.
Janet had a creative spirit and a deep love for crafts, including sewing, beading, and coloring. She could spend endless hours completing intricate jigsaw puzzles. Dedicated to her community, she was actively involved in the local Boy Scout Troop, eventually serving on the Eagle Scout selection committee. She cherished the comforts of home, enjoying the times spent with her children and grandchildren, and she especially looked forward to summers at the family camp in Pelham, where many treasured memories were made.
She will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill; her children, Melanie Darrigo and her husband Mark, Timothy Parthum and his wife Kylie, and Michael Parthum and his partner Shanel; and her beloved grandchildren, Natalie, Will, and Magnus. She also leaves behind her sisters, Carolyn Pink of Jacksonville, FL, and Sherrie Hovatter of Rochester, NY; brother Howard Bridgeman of Hilderbran, N.C., and sister-in-law, Elaine Rush of Cottage Grove, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Family and close friends are invited to attend her visitation on March 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Janet’s name to Guiding Angels of NH, 32 Heidi Lane, Bow, NH 03304, Attn: Karen Cimis. For directions or to share memories and offer condolences to Janet’s family, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Parthum family during this difficult time.
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