JANET MACKEY GILLIN

JANET GILLIN Obituary

GILLIN, JANET MACKEY Nov. 14, 1929 to Oct. 5, 2010 Classy, Stylish, Kind, Creative, Fun Loving, Elegant, Consummate Caregiver, Wonderful Mother, Dynamic, Strong, Beautiful, Big Hearted, Intelligent, Vivacious. These are a few words that describe my mom, Janet Gillin. The world is a sadder place after losing such a beautiful, fun and caring person. Janet passed away on October 5, 2010, after complications from hip surgery. Janet was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Richard and Evelyn Mackey on November 14, 1929. She married William (Bill) Gabriel in 1954 and had two daughters, Robin Gabriel McCann and Kathi Gabriel-Karen. Our family moved to San Diego in 1973; to be closer to her brother, Dr. Richard Mackey, who was a physician at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. My parents divorced in 1975, and my mom remarried Hugh Gillin in 1984. He was a character actor and they lived in Los Angeles for a few years before coming back to San Diego to be close to family again. Hugh passed away in 2004. She adored her only grandson, Bradley Karen, who was born in 1996. He was showered with love and attention from her. She was very creative - Janet was accomplished at sewing, knitting, sculpting, enameling on copper and other crafts. Mom was a very classy, elegant woman, and had a great sense of humor and a unique and glamorous style - she would light up a room when she entered! Janet moved to a retirement community in 2007, Belmont Village in Sabre Springs/Poway area. Her brother, Richard, also moved to Belmont at the same time. They adopted a beautiful dog named Candy. She was the love of their lives and provided companionship during their time at Belmont. Janet is predeceased by her parents, Richard and Evelyn Mackey, brother, Dr. Richard Mackey, daughter Robin Gabriel-McCann and second husband Hugh Gillin. She is survived by her daughter, Kathi Gabriel-Karen, son-in-law Gregory Karen, grandson Bradley Karen, and ex-husband Bill Gabriel, and her dog Candy, as well as many wonderful friends. I want to thank Elizabeth Hospice and all the staff at Belmont Village that made her final days comfortable, as she was surrounded with love and care to the end. A celebration of Life for Janet Gillin will be held at Belmont Village, 13075 Evening Creek Dr. So., San Diego, CA 92128, on October 17th, at 2:30 p.m.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Oct. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for JANET GILLIN

8 Entries

Linda Gabriel

October 17, 2010

Jan and I shared, (in addition to a husband!) a unique and loving relationship. Her warm and generous nature welcomed me into her family circle after she and her 1st husband, Bill, (Kathi's father) had gone their separate ways. We quickly became "good buddies" (we did have the same tastes, after all!) and had many good times together, including family gatherings. I will truly miss her, with her big smile and laugh, and that aura of "classiness" that she always exuded. Keep 'em smiling up in Heaven, Jan.....

Lauren Traweek

October 12, 2010

My Aunt Jan was a wonderful ray of light in my childhood. She was married to my dad's brother and our visits to Cleveland were always made brighter and more special by Aunt Jan.

I remember her seemingly effortless sewing - she could whip together a little something in a heartbeat, and always with a fabulous smile.

She was fun and funny, creative and smart - a joy to be around.

I am so sorry, Kathi. I know the world seems very bleak right now, but Aunt Jan's radiance cannot be extinguished, and she will light the rest of your life.

All my love to you and your family. I wish I was closer so I could give you a big Gabriel hug!
Love, Lauren

October 11, 2010

It was my honor and privilage to be her step sister,,she was all Kathi said she was..a very loyal friend ..heavens gain is our loss Cherie Lind Fry

Patsy Stecher

October 11, 2010

Jan,we will miss you terribly. We met in Lakewood, OH in 1956 and we have shared so many memories and life experiences. Our lives brought us here to CA in the early 70's.
Jan was a person who was warm and generous. She comforted many and was always there as a friend. Talented in many ways we shared so much, hand work and the arts. I will miss our phone calls and we will never forget you. We will always be in touch with your Kathi and her family. Our love, Patsy and Bob Stecher

Kasey Kaufman

October 11, 2010

Jan was one classy broad--and I mean that in the most positive way! I'll always remember her as that 'go to mom'--the kind of mom that you could say just about anything to and know that she was all about unconditional love and 100% support. Her daughter, Kathi was my best friend at La Jolla High School and there are many---and I mean MANY stories I recall ---from back in the day.... when Kath and I would try to pull the wool over Jan's eyes, while knowing deep down--that she had it going on more than we did! I loved her smokey laugh and that glorious smile. She always had such a great sense of style and panache. I especially admired her strength and courage and optimism as she embarked on a second chapter--moving on to find love again and to create a life that was filled with joy and pride. Her love for her girls was endless and I know that Bradley was the light of her life, too. The world is going to be a duller place without Jan. But, but look up at the sky tonight--whether you're in San Diego, or Bay Village, Ohio or in Boston...and I promise: you'll see one star shining brighter than the others. I'll say a prayer for Jan. She will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. And, Kathi--know that you're in my prayers, too. While I know you were so fortunate to have Jan in your life for so long--the pain of losing your mommy is some kind of awful. Yes, you're living in a world of hurt right now, but someday--you'll think of Jan, and instead of crying, you'll laugh and smile and remember the great, great times. You know I'm thinking of one in particular right now!!!

Christina and Tim Karen

October 11, 2010

We will always remember Jan with a big smile on her face. She was full of energy and joy! She will be missed at all our family holiday celebrations! We love you Jan!

Carolyn Wells

October 10, 2010

Jan was a dear friend for many years before I left Rancho Bernardo 10 years ago. She was truly so stylish and loved to laugh. I have missed her and had hoped to see her when she was up to it. She loved her girls so much and when Bradley was born he was all she could talk about. She was so proud of her family. Jan will be missed. She left behind so many who loved her.

Carolyn Wells
Rancho Bernardo

Laurie Gunn

October 10, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear about Jan passing away. She was a wonderful lady. My dad (Tom Martin) was great friends with Hugh and Jan and he enjoyed them both immensely. I feel very blessed to have gotten to know Jan - as you say, she was funny, stylish, and smart -- just excellent company. The world is a lesser place without her. Love and prayers to your family.

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