Janet Elizabeth (Howland) Gould-Steffens, age 87, of Hingham and formerly of Norwell, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2015 surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Weymouth, MA, she was the daughter of Dudley and Pearl Howland.  She graduated from Braintree High School and Forsythe Dental School.  She was a charter member of the United Church of Christ in Norwell, MA.  She enjoyed singing in the choir, attending concerts at Symphony Hall, loved to travel, enjoyed her days at Humarock Beach as well as boating on the North River. She was a founding member and past President of the Norwell Women's Club. For many years, she served as a board member of the South River Beach Club.  She will be remembered for the joy she felt when surrounded by her family and many friends including The Birthday Girls.

She is survived by her husband John Paul Steffens and pre-deceased by the late Robert J. Gould. She is also survived by her five children: David Gould and his wife Crystal of Marshfield, MA;  Robert Gould and his wife Elaine of Hanson, MA; Judy Kuehn and husband Rudy of Norwell, MA;  Bruce Gould and his wife Joan of Marshfield, MA and Jennifer Williams and husband George of Norwell, MA.  She also leaves her devoted grandchildren: Dustin, Autumn, Morgan, Elyse, Amelia, Eric, Pearl, George, and Sam as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by her dear sister, Donna (Howland) Couture.  The joy of her life was living close by her family, who were a constant presence in her life.

Visiting hours will be at McNamara- Sparrell Funeral Home, 30 Central Street, Norwell, MA on Wednesday, June 17, from 4 – 8 pm. A celebration of Janet's life will be held at the United Church of Christ of Norwell, 460 Main Street, Norwell, Thursday, June 18 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The United Church of Christ Music Fund, 460 Main St., Norwell, MA  02061.

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