Janet Moreau Stone
Date of Passing:
Stone, Janet, (Moreau) “Jay”, 93, of Barrington, the first native of Rhode Island to win a Gold Medal in the Olympic Games, died peacefully on June 30, 2021. She was the beloved wife of the late Raymond W. Stone.
Born in Pawtucket, a daughter of the late Arthur Moreau Sr. and Elizabeth (Beauchamp) Moreau, she lived in Barrington since 1955.
Mrs. Stone was a Physical Education Teacher in the Barrington School system for 36 years before retiring in 1986.
Janet was a graduate of Boston University Class of 1952 earning a Bachelor of Science, T.O.P. (Third Order Dominican) degree in education. She was also a graduate of the Diocese of Providence- Ministry Institute, two years Pastoral Care Study, RI Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital and was a Certified Catholic Chaplin N.A.C.C.
From 1949 to 1952 she was named four times to the All-America track team while attending Boston University. In 1951 as a member of the United States National team, she won a gold medal in the Pan America Games, running a leg on the 4 x 100 meter relay team.
A year later, as a member of the U.S. Olympic team, she won a Gold Medal as a member of the relay team that set a world record in the event of 45.9 seconds.
The same year, she won the National standing broad jump championship with an American record of 8’10”, which still stands today, won the national indoor 220 title, the national indoor 50 yard dash championship and was the high point scorer in the National Indoor Championships.
The same year she was the National Junior Champion in the 100 meter dash, setting an American record at 11.8 seconds and completed a five year sweep as New England champion in the 50, 100 and 220.
Janet also was a member of the Rhode Island All-State Swimming team from 1947-1949 in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle setting records at Tolman High School.
Janet received honors including; 1952 RI French Athlete of the Year, the 1952 Athlete of the Year Chosen by the Disabled American Veterans, the 1968 Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, the 1979 Boston University Hall of Fame, the 1986 Pawtucket Hall of Fame as a charter member and the 1987 Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame and also the Rhode Island Hall of Fame.
In 2008 she was chosen by the United States Summer Olympics Team to serve as their Lay Champlain in Beijing, China.
Mrs. Stone was a communicant of St. Luke Church and served on the Parish Council for several years. She was the Director of Pastoral Care, Eucharistic Minister and Champlain at the Bay Spring Village, Barrington. She was a volunteer at Roger Williams Hospital as a Champlain in the Intensive and Maximum Care Units. She was also the founder and Director of the Barrington Service for Animals.
She is survived by a special niece, Nancy Moura of Dartmouth, MA and several other nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Arthur Moreau Jr, Gloria Moreau Paine, Norman Moreau and Doris Moreau Venner.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday July 3, 2021 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8 a.m. with a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. A Private Entombment will follow in the Swan Point Cemetery Mausoleum, Blackstone Blvd., Providence.
Calling hours will be held Saturday morning 8-9 a.m. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Janet’s memory to the Barrington Service for Animals, c/o Edmund Alves, 30 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903 would be deeply appreciated.
Glory to you.
Mário of Portugal
Jay and Ray played very important parental roles in my life. I credit both of them with setting my moral compass, often with tough love. I was with them as a young teenager when they picked out their place at Swan Point. I remember being very sad thinking about losing them someday. Now, they are together again, and I’m sure Ray was was there waiting, probably making his silly car horn noises! I chose not to think of them as gone, but rather, as Ray’s father’s gravestone says, “Just Away”. You’ll always be in my heart.
Janet Stone helped to promote excellence in women’s sport. Her care for animals and people in need will be a part of her legacy.
Aunt Jay, the Stone family will miss you greatly.
Mrs. Stone was such an inspiration to all of us who had her as our gym teacher. She encouraged us to be the best we could be. She had a long life and left an indelible mark on so many of us. RIP
From two of the countless Barrington students who were beyond fortunate to learn the importance of sportsmanship, hard work and teamwork from Mrs. Stone, we are so very sorry to hear of her passing and send deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones. Her accomplishments and lasting legacy were significant and we were lucky to know her. ❤️
I knew Janet from St. Luke’s Parish and served on several committees with her. She was a very dedicated volunteer and did much for the community. Rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Stone. Mrs. Stone visited my mom, Angelina Natale on a regular basis when she was a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Angel’s Church. My mom loved her. She was so compassionate and took care of all her needs including securing medical equipment for her. One day she invited us to her home to see her medals. We were so excited. May she rest in peace. I’m sure St. Peter is welcoming her with open arms.
Jean K MacIntyre (Ungberg) Wright a letter a letter of recommendation to Springfield College for her Jean and I have friends for more than fifty years
Janet always fought the good fight and kept the faith.
May she Rest In Peace.
Father Robert Hawkins
Janet was lifeguard at Agawam pool, where I swam, and because of her many young girls felt it was alright to pursue athletics. She had a profound effect on my athletic future. She was a wonderful woman and we are all better because of her. Rest In Peace, Janet.
Janet was my swim instructor and life-saving teacher. Because of her I worked many summers as a lifeguard and swim instructor. The world has lost a wonderful woman, in heaven has gained a saint.