Janet Francis Filling

Janet Francis Filling, 91, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, and a devoted Westport resident of more than 50 years, passed away peacefully at her home on February 12, 2026.

Born on June 14, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York to Charles and Jenny Francis, Janet always cherished her Flag Day birthday and celebrated it happily throughout her life. She grew up in New York, eventually living in Forest Hills, before attending Trinity College in Washington, DC where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a deep pride in her alma mater.

After graduating, Janet returned to New York and began her career in advertising during the heyday of Madison Avenue. There, she met her beloved husband, Jim Filling. They married in 1963 and began their life together in Manhattan, where their son Greg was born. The family later moved to Westport, to the home where Janet would live for nearly 40 years. During that time, she built a wide circle of friends and professional relationships through her membership at the Weston Field Club and her work in education, publishing, and advertising at organizations throughout Fairfield County.

Janet found her true calling when she joined the Westport-Weston Chapter of the American Red Cross, eventually serving as its Executive Director. She thrived in this role, combining her deep commitment to community service with her remarkable ability to bring people together through her warmth, loyalty, and boundless positive energy. She was a tireless advocate for the Westport-Weston community and took great pride in supporting its residents and institutions. These same qualities defined her relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, and sustained her as a devoted caregiver to Jim during his struggle with Parkinson’s disease before his death in 1996.

Following Jim’s passing, Janet continued her leadership at the Red Cross for another decade, becoming increasingly involved at the state and national levels and participating in service trips to China and Honduras. During these years, she also experienced profound joy as Greg married Kristin, whom Janet loved as a daughter, and as she became “Amo” to Jessie and Ryan, whom she adored to the moon and back. After retiring, Janet returned to Manhattan for seven years, embracing the city’s many offerings and remaining a constant, loving presence in her grandchildren’s early lives.

Janet returned to Westport in 2013 and moved into memory care ten years later. During this time, she remained deeply connected to and engaged with those she loved, attending social, cultural, and family events whenever possible. She treasured her enduring friendships, making frequent visits to friends in NYC, Cape Cod, and Italy; and continued to enjoy travel with Greg, Kristin, Jessie and Ryan throughout Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Despite the challenges of dementia in her final years, Janet maintained a spirit of gratitude and joy. She found happiness in simple pleasures—the warmth of the sun, the beauty of nature, and, above all, the love she shared with her family and friends. Her warmth, resilience, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

In addition to her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Janet is survived by her sister, Charlotte Lent, and her niece, Diane Lent-Tucker. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Jim, and her sisters, Barbara and Muriel Francis.

A memorial service to celebrate Janet’s life will be held later in the spring, with details to be announced. Please check back here at the end of March for details, or sign up for an email notification at this link: Janet Filling Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Red Cross.