Obituary of Janet Helen Harkins

Born May 24th, 1946, Janet Helen Widdifield-Harkins, just three hours into her 53rd Wedding Anniversary, took her last breath in the presence of the love of her life and her three sons, before entering paradise.  

Only 78 years young, Janet left this world too early.  As the eldest daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Betty Allen Eft-Widdifield, of Sanford, North Carolina, along with her siblings, Samuel Herbert, Robert Eft, Mary Jane and Frank Ward.  The family later moved to New Street in Bridgeton, New Jersey.  Janet attended Bridgeton High School, class of 1963, and started working after high school at Farmers and Merchants bank in Bridgeton.  Janet and her partner in crime, Jean Young, moved to Wildwood Crest working for the newly opened Marine Bank in North Wildwood and for several summers at Zaberer’s Restaurant.  In 1983, Janet left for a career at the City of North Wildwood, first in the construction office. Janet was an original member of the Hereford Lighthouse Restoration Commission and built up the successful annual summer flea market event.  Janet was appointed City Clerk in 2000 and served in that position until her retirement on December 31, 2012.

On Dec 11, 1971, Janet married Bob Harkins Sr. of Anglesea, in Saint Ann’s Church, and later raised three boys.  Brian and Jeff both Veterans, and Bobby Jr. are all distinguished police officers in our communities.  Janet is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years Robert P. Harkins Sr, her son Robert P. Harkins Jr. with wife, Lisa; son Brian C. Harkins with wife Emily; son Jeffrey S. Harkins with wife Kelli; and her six grandchildren; Christian, Olivia, Chloe, Ella, Leah and Cooper.  Additionally, Janet is survived by her brothers Robert and Frank, and sister Mary Jane.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11am Wednesday Dec. 18th , 2024 at St. Ann's Church, 2900 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood, NJ where friends may call from 10 to 10:45 am. Interment will be in the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery, Middle Township, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, Janet wished donations to be made to the Shriners or Saint Jude.

Condolences may be sent to ingersollgreenwoodfh.com