Janice "Jan" E. Higgins Kierstead, 75, of Sandown, NH passed away on Thursday evening, June 8th, 2023, at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA.

Jan was born on October 1, 1947, to Kathleen (Banks) and Walter Black. She was raised in Everett, MA and attended local schools. Following high school graduation, she worked at various jobs before settling down and starting her family. When her children were older, she began her 25-year career with Data ED, working with circuit boards.

In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, candle making, snowmobiling, and horseback riding and jumping. She loved being outdoors and spending countless hours on the lake. Jan was always very devoted to her family and relished the time spent with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren.

Jan is survived by her husband of five years and partner of 29 years, Brett Kierstead; her daughters, Dawn Higgins and her husband Shawn Hassell of Bow and Maureen Higgins Langlois of Auburn; her former husband of 25 years, Michael Higgins and his wife Anne; her grandchildren, Vincent Hassell-Higgins, Cooper Higgins-Langlois, and Wyatt Henry Langlois; her brother, Fred Black and his wife Mikki; her sister, Marilyn Towne and her husband Phil; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jan was predeceased by her sister, Norma Kearley and her husband Art and her best friend, Carmen Wentworth.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to High Pointe Hospice House, using the address: Tufts Medicine Care at Home, Attn: Community Engagement, 360 Merrimack Street Suite 425, Lawrence, MA 01843.

Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.