Obituary: Janice Louise Spencer
Janice Louise Spencer, a longtime Maine educator, real estate professional, and devoted community volunteer, died on Aug. 31, 2026, at the age of 87. Born in Lewiston on Jan. 1, 1939, to Joseph and Lea (Beaudoin) Simpson, she spent decades building a life marked by curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to others.
Spencer raised her family in Bangor before pursuing higher education, studying in France and at the University of Maine, where she earned her bachelor's degree. Friends and family recall that she financed part of her time abroad by selling pairs of her treasured Levi's jeans on the streets of Paris — a small entrepreneurial streak that hinted at the resourceful woman she remained in later life. Her passion for reading began in childhood and stayed with her throughout her life, and she was known for sharp competitive streaks at the Scrabble board and the poker table, where she regularly bested friends and neighbors.
She settled into a career in southern Maine, working for many years as a long-term substitute teacher in Portland schools. She also built a reputation as a driven real estate agent serving the southern Maine region, a career that allowed her to combine her people skills with her deep knowledge of the area.
Spencer shared a love of travel with her husband, Raymond E. Spencer. Together they explored Europe, toured the Canadian provinces, and spent time in the warm sun of the Caribbean. She was also her husband's magic assistant, performing alongside him with silks, swords, and fire. Their act wowed audiences across Maine and beyond, from children's birthday parties to larger stages throughout the region.
Her sensitivity and compassion carried into her volunteer work, where she devoted significant time to helping individuals and families affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges. In her later years, living at the Barron Center in Portland, she became known affectionately as "Duchess" to her caregivers — a nickname that captured the warmth and dignity those around her came to associate with her presence.
Spencer is survived by her son, Scott Spencer and his wife Peggy; her daughter, Bethany Austin and her husband David; her grandchildren, Bethany, Gabe, Jordan, Keith, Michael, Clyde, and Henry; and her great-grandchildren, Kaylin, Ellie, Jase, Blaiden, Spencer, Tanner, and Sylvia.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Jolene Pelletier and Monique Caret; her husband, Raymond E. Spencer, who died in 2018; and her son, Raymond "Chip" J. Spencer, who died in 2010.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave. in Portland, immediately followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at 2 p.m. at Bruno's Restaurant and Tavern. A dual interment with her late husband will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave. in Augusta.
Memories and online condolences may be shared at athutchins.com.
