Janet Evelyn Townsend, 78, of Bomoseen, Vt., died unexpectedly March 8 at her residence. She was born on April 5, 1938, in West New York, NJ, the daughter of Frank and Marie Althoff. Mrs. Townsend was a longtime resident of Hopewell Junction, NY, prior to relocating to Bomoseen in 1995. She was active in the Elks Club, enjoyed exercising and was an avid bowler and member of the lady's league. She was a lifelong animal lover, and her dachshund Max survives her.

Survivors include a son, Richard Holod Jr. of New Paltz, NY, a daughter, Nancy Cournoyer of Poughkeepsie, NY, a sister, Lois Osborn of FL, three grandchildren, Grace and Meredith Holod and Kyran Cournoyer, stepchildren, Jamie and Jodi Townsend, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, James Townsend, in 1995 and by two sisters, Marie Sardone and Dorothy Medvesky.

Calling hours followed by a memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker  Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie. Graveside services will be held at a later date at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Whitehall, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association/ P.O. Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005.