Janet M. (Arsenault) Gearty

Janet M. (Arsenault) Gearty of Waltham, age 90, entered into eternal rest on August 17, 2026, at Marist Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waltham. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Janet, the beloved daughter of the late John and Yvonne (Pellitier) Arsenault, was born in Waltham on September 14, 1935 and remained a lifelong resident. She graduated from Waltham High School and Framingham State Teachers College. After graduating, Janet taught third grade at the Banks Elementary School in Waltham for several years before leaving teaching to raise her family. Janet married the love of her life, Donald L.Gearty, in 1958 at Saint Mary’s Church in Waltham, where they made their home together. They built a life filled with love, family and friendship and proudly welcomed three children. They shared twenty-two wonderful years together until Donald’s early passing in 1980. Janet continued to dedicate her life to caring for her young family. Janet had a fulfilling second at P.E. Burke Moving & Storage where she made many lifelong friends. She worked there for over twenty years until her retirement.

Janet lived a life of faith and was a longtime member of Our Lady's Church in Waltham. Her faith in Christ guided her throughout her life.

Janet was friendly, welcoming and sweet as well as a planner and an organizer. She lived an active social life which included organizing and participating in trips with groups from Our Lady’s and the senior center. She enjoyed playing card games at the senior center and hosting games at her home. She valued the lifelong friends she made in school and throughout the other phases of her life. She had a competitive streak, which showed in poker and in candlepin bowling at the WAL-LEX.

Janet had a love of travel and created countless memories on trips with her family and friends. She enjoyed many vacations to visit family in Prince Edward Island in addition to family trips everywhere from York Beach to Florida to London and Ireland.

Her greatest joy in life was her loving family. She never missed an opportunity to see her grandchildren, who were her world, and was always present at their athletic and school events. She also enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends and attending Red Sox games.

In addition to her husband Donald, Janet is reunited in heaven with her beloved granddaughter Lindsey Hepper (Chris). She leaves her children, Karen G. Callahan (Larry) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Susan G. Brown (Tim) of Sudbury, and Brian D. Gearty( Eileen), of Braintree; her grandchildren, Kellie, Ryan, and Travis (Venus) Callahan, Justin (Kara Murphy), Kristen, Caitlyn and Shannon Brown, and Lauren Gearty; along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Janet’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Thursday, August 27th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday morning at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham. Donations in Janet’s memory may be made to SMILE Mass,365 Boston Post Road, STE 101 PMB 365, Sudbury, MA 01776, or via smilemass.org.