Janet L. Rowe, retired Lynn City Clerk and Chief of Elections, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Charles L. “Charlie” Rowe Jr., with whom she shared 52 years of marriage, and a lifelong resident of Lynn, Massachusetts.
Born in Lynn, she was the daughter of the late Bruce R. and Shirley F. (Williams) Coughlin. Janet graduated from Lynn Classical High School, Class of 1973, and later earned her associate’s degree from Eastern Gateway College.
Janet dedicated much of her professional life to public service in the City of Lynn. She served as City Clerk & Chief of Elections from January 2017 to February 2026, and previously worked for fourteen years as Assistant City Clerk. Earlier in her career, she was also employed with the Lynn Police Department, Seaport Insurance, and the General Electric Company. Her work reflected her commitment to organization, integrity, and community service.
Beyond her professional life, Janet was deeply involved in her community. She gave her time generously as a PTO parent during her children’s school years, a St. Patrick’s Church CCD teacher, a West Lynn Little League softball coach and clubhouse cook, and a Greater Lynn Babe Ruth softball coach and board member. She also served as President of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and supported numerous charitable causes throughout her life. She was a communicant of St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Parish, where her faith remained an important part of her life.
Janet’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her husband Charlie Rowe; her children Christopher Rowe and his wife Debora, Shirley Kelley and her husband Brian, and Kay Rowe; and her beloved grandchildren Tyler and Sarah Kelley, and Mia Rowe. She is also survived by her siblings Kevin Coughlin and his wife Judy, Joyce Blais and her husband Joe, Terry Young and her husband Andy, and Peggy Phelps and her husband Michael, along with many extended family members. She was predeceased by her sisters Ellen Mahoney and Kathy Aylward.
Janet will be remembered as a woman who made everyone feel welcome. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, gardening, and spending time at the beach, especially in Myrtle Beach and York Beach. She found great joy in family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, and celebrations of all kinds. Her annual Easter Breakfast Egg Hunt became a treasured tradition, and she was happiest when surrounded by a growing family. Known for her warm spirit, she often welcomed others with her favorite saying, “What’s one more?”—a reflection of her generous heart and open home.
Her kindness, leadership, and dedication to both family and community left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she gave so freely.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 9:15 AM from Solimine Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (RTE 129), Lynn, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
