Janet O. Bates is a beautiful soul who left us way too soon. She is a much-loved daughter, sister, and aunt, and all who knew her were touched by her captivating personality. She died on Feb. 12, 2018, in Brattleboro, Vt. She was born on July 20, 1959, in Summit, N.J., to William and Nancy Bates.
Janet’s early years were spent in Westfield and Sparta, N.J., and Edgartown. Summer vacations were spent in Menemsha with her family. She graduated from U-32 High School in Montpelier, Vt., and continued her education at Boston University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. degree in broadcast journalism.
During Janet’s high school and college years, she was on the air as a local DJ. Upon graduation she was known as “Janet from Another Planet,” working on WXKS and WVBF in Boston and WMMR in Philadelphia. On several of these stations she also held promotion and newswriting positions. In New York City, Janet drove the WNBC “N” Car, on the air with Howard Stern and Imus, as well as hosting weekend talk shows on WNBC. She also became the morning drive time DJ for radio Z100.
In later years, Janet studied at Keene State College in New Hampshire, and became a counselor at the Brattleboro Retreat in Brattleboro, Vt. She volunteered at the Brattleboro Community Center, Big Brothers and Sisters, and Women’s Crisis Services. Always known as an excellent cook, her favorite hobbies included writing, acting, skiing, and swimming.
Janet is survived by her mother, Nancy Wood, her sisters Lesley Tripp, Jill Gardner, Sally Bates, Jennifer Bates, and Sandra Varno. Her sister Susan Bates predeceased her in 2015. She leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews who enjoyed and appreciated her presence in their lives, and her beloved cat, Lulu. A gathering is planned to celebrate her life later this year.
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