Janet Moore Barrett

Janet Barrett, 94, of Jackson, MI, entered her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family on April 7, 2025 after complications from a stroke. Janet was born the middle daughter of Dr. George Floyd and Estelle (Schneider) Moore in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on May 29, 1930. She attended Catholic schools, graduating from St. Mary's High School, Mt. Clemensin 1948.

Janet attended Michigan State University where she pursued a degree in elementary education. She met Dave, the love of her life, on the daily bus ride to their student teaching assignment and they were married on June 26, 1954. Janet taught two years of kindergarten at Selfridge Air Force Base prior to their marriage, and she taught a year of first grade in Vassar, Michigan as a newlywed.

After the birth of their first child, Jan and Dave moved to Jackson where they welcomed three more children. Janet was a homemaker and was very involved with volunteer work in the children's schools, the church and the community. She was the room mother for all of her children and enjoyed assisting in the classroom and planning school events and celebrations. Teaching religious education classes, coordinating Bible study groups and, later, involvement with the Pre-Catechumenate  and Cursillo Movements and RCIA Program were some of the many ways she helped others grow in their faith.

She was a volunteer for Respite Care for primary caregivers and did hospital visits as a representative of the Catholic faith community. Volunteer work also included many years with the Summit Branch of the Jackson District Library and the Ella Sharp Museum Gift Shop. Janet was an active member of the Women's Guild, the Arimathean/Bereavement Ministry and the weekly offertory counting team at Queen's Parish.

Janet's faith was an important part of her life and she was a shining example of a living faith. She truly modeled what it means to prioritize life with God first, others second, and self last. She took a genuine interest in people, inquiring about themselves, their families, their lives and really listening to and remembering their responses. From restaurant and grocery store employees, to hospital and assisted living staff, to people waiting in line at a store check-out, Janet made a positive impression on every single person she met. She'd end each conversation with a promise to pray for them, and she did.

Janet created a beautiful and welcoming home for family and friends to gather. She deeply loved her family and, along with Dave, was actively involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren, traveling to countless sporting events and performances, and hosting holiday gatherings and family celebrations in their home. She had a true gift for making each person know how very special they were to her.

While she was wonderfully social, she also enjoyed times of solitude at home reading, doing puzzles, and watching favorite TV shows. She loved watching sports, particularly the MSU Spartans and Detroit teams. She and Dave shared a love of music, attending concerts, symphony performances, and musicals. She was gifted with a lovely soprano voice which blended beautifully with Dave's tenor harmony. Their rendition of Happy Birthday was a beloved family tradition enjoyed by even the youngest members.

Jan touched the lives and hearts of countless people both directly and indirectly by the way she lived. We find comfort in knowing that Mom's legacy lives on through the lessons she taught us, the love she shared and the memories we will forever cherish.

Preceded in death by her parents, Estelle and George Floyd Moore; bonus mom Victoria (Richardson); husband of 70 years, David; sister, Nancy Merzlak, and daughter-in-law, Nancy Stevenson Barrett. She is survived by her sister, Vicky Fenton; children; Kristi (Steve) Blair, Michael (Valencia) Barrett, AlesaBarrett, and Holly (Glenn) Strong; grandchildren, Sarah Blair, David (Nadina) Barrett, John (Alisha) Barrett, Ann (Ed) Kelley, Megan (Nick) Cross, Ransom (Julia) Brown, Aubrey Dull, Nathan Dull, Michael Strong, and Daniel Strong, 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring staff at Summit Park Assisted Living and the U of M Neurocritical ICU for their loving care and support.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church at 11:00 with Father Tim MacDonald presiding. Family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00 prior to the service. The service will be live streamed at queenschurch.com.

In lieu of flowers: contributions to the Lingap Children's Foundation which provides children in Toledo City in the Philippines with housing, education and faith are appreciated.. Donations may be sent to PO Box 1553, Jackson MI 49204