Janet Gannon (Grenon) 94, longtime Norwalk CT resident, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024 at her son and his wife’s home on Cape Cod, MA.
Janet was married for nearly 70 years to her best friend Bob who passed in 2021 on her 91st birthday. She is survived by their three children, Carol, Lois and Robert Jr. and their families.
Janet was the daughter of Euldage (Edwin) Grenon, an independent hard working French Canadian born in Woonsocket Rhode Island. Janet’s mom was Edith Kendall Grenon, a fiery redhead with a love of life and a flair for the dramatic with early American roots dating back to the 1600s. Janet was a product of both their personalities throughout her long and happy life.
Born in Manchester Connecticut in 1930 Janet spent much of her youth frolicking in the local lakes and eating the profits in ice cream from her family's Grenon Garage and Package Store on Rt 6. While fighting the chicken pox at the age of 7, her mother, father and 2 brothers Robert and Willard, packed up their belongings and boarded a 5 bed compartment car on a train headed to Hollywood California. Once there, her dad opened the first 5 & dime store on Hollywood Boulevard. Their California adventure was short lived, as they returned 18 months later in her dad’s homemade camp trailer as it was said that her mom cried every night missing her friends in Connecticut. The learning and memories of the adventure lasted a lifetime.
Janet returned from California to Manchester and was educated in a two room schoolhouse housing grades 1 through 8. When Janet's family later moved to Andover, Janet’s mom enjoyed the company of her only daughter to the fullest. She would pull Janet out of school to go shopping and take periodic trips to New York City. Her mom made sure Janet was always finely dressed in the most fashionable attire.
Living in the age of child star Shirley Temple, Janet’s mom enrolled her in all sorts of dance classes from ballet to tap, and of course the town’s Saturday morning talent shows. With elaborate dresses and a variety of dances, Janet drew the attention of many young admirers throughout her high school years. Suitors would sit with her in her home, attend Friday night square dancing or Saturday night roller skating, all under the watchful eyes of her father and older brothers.
Janet attended Windham High School and was the first in her family to attend college, enrolling at UCONN in 1948 where she enjoyed archery, the Kappa Alpha Theta sisterhood, and most of all, leading the school’s cheerleading squad. This is where she met her future husband and lifelong partner Robert (of SAE fraternity) on a blind date upon his return home from WWII Marine service.
After a brief stint in the Bronx and the birth of their second and third child, Janet and Bob lived their entire adult lives in the same house for 67 years in the 1950s Flower Estates development in West Norwalk, CT. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Janet fulfilled the role of a Post WWII mother and homemaker dedicating her time and energy to running the household and raising her three children. She formed a preschool Fun Club for nearby neighbors, was a scout leader, a constant chaperone at school events and spent endless hours driving her children to practices, rehearsals and sporting events. Janet always enjoyed entertaining friends with themed dinner parties and bridge nights which were the hit of the neighborhood.
At 40 she graduated magna cum laude from Bridgeport University as a marketing major. She had multiple job interviews where she was told she was highly qualified but that they wanted a man; it was the seventies. Janet then served as a substitute teacher in the Norwalk school system for over 20 years, holding Thursdays for Ladies Day at the golf course. Family camping vacations were a staple of every summer. With her husband, three children and dog in tow, a crowded tent trailer traveled from Montreal to Key West and every beach and lake in between. All the while she maintained the family finances and budget with the depression age insight she grew up with, enabling her children to attend college, she and her husband to fulfill a middle class dream, and provide for a well-deserved retirement. Her motto was ‘If it doesn’t hurt anybody and doesn’t cost anything, do it!’.
Janet and her husband seized the opportunity to move to Tehran, Iran as Bob accepted an expat assignment with American Bell International late in his career; sadly cut short by the Islamic Revolution of 1979. This experience and the related worldwide travel and friends they met along the way provided an exciting adventure and lasting memories.
With Bob retiring at age 55, and over 30 years of their good health that followed, they truly enjoyed retirement living. Janet had many favorite pastimes which included gardening, painting, the arts, and exploring the natural beauty of the world around her. Many early evenings were spent taking walks or eating an early dinner at Calf Pasture beach. As a member of the Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk CT for over 50 years, she enjoyed playing golf but even more she enjoyed being outside with her friends. She was competitive, winning various Shorehaven golf tournaments and awards throughout the years. Janet and Bob golfed throughout the world and played at the game’s most renowned courses. They never left home without their golf shoes.
Wintering in Hollywood Florida with annual trips to Sanibel Island were part of her life’s enjoyment. Multiple 8 to 10 month cross country trips while pulling a 24 foot RV travel trailer enabled them to experience firsthand the natural beauty of the US. They also enjoyed travel in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Standing at just 5 foot 2 inches, Janet was truly a force of nature, a strong and caring woman. She had a will of steel and a heart of gold. She was greatly loved by her family who feel lucky to have enjoyed her love and support through such a long and happy life.
Along with her children Carol Fellows, Lois Gannon (Steven Estrada), Robert Gannon Jr (Tara O'Keefe); Janet is survived by her grandchildren Gregory Fellows, Russell Fellows (Becky Miesel), Robert Fellows (Lauren), Sarah Gannon, Michael Gannon, Emily Estrada Keller (Charles), Cullum Estrada, and Rosemary O’Keefe-Hoeck; great grandchildren Maya and Elliott; numerous nieces and nephews; kindhearted neighbors and special friends Giedra and Robin.
A private service will be held at St John Cemetery in Darien, CT. followed by a local memorial celebration. Contributions in her name can be sent to Shorehaven Caddie’s Scholarship Fund, Shorehaven Golf Club, Norwalk, CT. 06855