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Sports blog: Warrior Nation

Janet Van Heertum Totten


Janet Van Heertum Totten, 72, of Charlestown died in her home on Jan. 26, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Englewood, N.J. on July 8, 1937 to William and Gertrude (Bohling) Van Heertum. She is survived by her three children, Jeffrey Andrew of Bridgewater, N.J., Robert Van Doorn of Wilton and Melissa Ann Hayden of Newport, R.I.; and eight grandchildren. She also leaves her sisters Margaret Bryers of Flemington, N.J., Barbara Ihling of Alameda, Calif., and brothers William Van Heertum of West Chester, Pa., and John Van Heertum of Concord, Calif., and their families.

Van Heertum Totten grew up in Leonia, N.J. She graduated from Douglass College of Rutgers University in 1959, where she met the love of her life, Robert K. Totten Jr., affectionately known as Skip, of Morris Plains, N.J. They married in August of 1959 and lived in Morristown, N.J. Janet taught school until beginning a family and moving to Mendham, N.J. In 1979, they moved to Wilton, where she managed the office of St. Mark's Church in New Canaan. They retired to Charlestown, R.I. in 2000 with their black lab, Murphy. She was a member of Dunn's Corners Community Church.

She was a 30-year breast cancer survivor. An example of survival and strength, she still radiated light and kindness after a three-and-a-half-year fight with ovarian cancer. Her husband died in September, 2006. She is now reunited with him, and her compassionate parents and faithful canine companion, Murphy.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Dunn's Corners Community Presbyterian Church in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Van Heertum Totten enjoyed many extra years because of the generosity of strangers who donated blood. The family would appreciate blood donations made in her honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 1085 North Main St., Providence, Rhode Island 02904.

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