Janet Marie (Gearin) Garrett

Janet Marie (Gearin) Garrett February 20, 1943 – January 11, 2026

Janet Marie (Gearin) Garrett passed away on January 11th, 2026. A woman of strength and resilience, she was known for her tremendous compassion, sharp wit, and deep Catholic faith. Born on February 20th, 1943, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Janet was the second daughter of Edward Michael and Genevieve Beatrice (Rahilly) Gearin.

At the center of Janet’s life was her 56-year marriage to her husband, Dave. Together, they shared a life defined by love, mutual respect, and adventure. As Dave’s career with the 3M Company took them from Saint Paul, Minnesota to Cleveland, Ohio; Plano, Texas; Brussels, Belgium; Middletown, New Jersey and Austin, Texas, Janet was the family’s north star. She possessed a rare gift for turning a new house into a home and a group of strangers into a lifelong circle of friends. She was the heart and soul of her family and, to many, the funniest person they ever had the privilege to know. A consummate entertainer and fabulous cook, Janet was known for her ability to bring people together, whether at a bridge table, on the golf course, or around a dinner table filled with laughter. She was a gifted writer whose thoughtful, witty, and often irreverent correspondence was a treasure to all who received her letters. Despite their many moves, Janet ensured the family’s roots remained firmly planted in Minnesota. She cherished summers "up north" at the lake, making sure her children grew up surrounded by the stories and laughter of their Grandma Gerry, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Janet’s family was the light of her life. Her joy grew as her family expanded; she adored her children, her sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, and eight grandchildren. Janet is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hywell "Dave" Garrett; her son, Sean; her son-in-law, John Guttery; and her parents. She is survived by her three children: Amy Guttery of St. Paul, MN, and her children, Kate, Julia, and Will; Mark Garrett and his wife, Alison, of Mill Valley, CA, and their children, Langan and Phoebe; and Katie Kinsella and her husband, Conor, of Woodbury, MN, and their children Annie, Payton, and Garrett; as well as her siblings: Susan Davern (Bill), Mary Pat Gearin, Michael Gearin, and Sheila Gearin (Dick Page).

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 20 at 10 am at Church of the Assumption (51 7th Street W, St. Paul, MN), with a visitation one hour prior. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to their family and friends for a lifetime of love and support. We would also like to thank the staff at Lilydale Senior Living for the tender and loving care provided to our Mom in her final years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Janet’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/mnnd?form=FUNRLHHYJGA).

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