JANET J IRWIN

Janet J. Irwin (née Haggerty) February 28, 1957 — March 31, 2026

Janet Irwin of Milton, Massachusetts was the person people called for advice, a plan, and for the truth. Her friends called her "Doctor Janet" because she could listen to your problem, identify the root cause, and advise how to best manage. She was most usually on the mark. . Always on the phone she was omnipresent for the people she loved, in touch with her friends and family around the clock. If you were in Janet's life, you never had to wonder if she cared, she made sure you knew.

Born to Francis G. Haggerty and Eleanor M. Joy, Janet graduated from Thayer Academy and Pine Manor College. She spent the majority of her work life in healthcare, beginning at the ground level at Caritas Medical Group and promoted to chief recruiter and manager of their medical practices. When she stepped away to raise her children, the retirement did not last. She threw herself into volunteer work and never looked back.

Janet led the St. Agatha's School auction and doubled the proceeds in her first year. then tripled and quadrupled the proceeds in following years.. She raised money for Dana-Farber, the Milton Community Food Pantry, and countless other charitable and political organizations. She fought to preserve conservation land. She managed political campaigns with an eye on the candidate, not the political party they represented.

Janet was a fearless stunning woman and the life of every room she entered. She was wildly funny and made friends everywhere she went. A phenomenal cook whose signature dishes and recipes were in constant demand. A great presenter and conversationalist who could talk to anyone about anything. She loved boating on the Cape, especially around Martha's Vineyard. When her children were young, she took them to the beach by boat every day. She loved dogs. She loved sports. Her style was always ahead of the trend, never chasing it. Her taste in music ran from Motown to places that would be of surprise. She never stopped learning and she never stopped being open to new ideas and new people.

Throughout her life, Janet battled incredible health challenges and never complained. She just kept moving forward.

She was a good mom; a really good mom.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Eugene P. Irwin III; her children, Kristin Irwin Duchi, Coleman Irwin, and Jack Irwin; her grandchildren, Bill and Carlton; her sister, Barbara MacLaughlin; her cousins, William Murdoch and Meredith Joy; and her beloved dog, Tater.

A Celebration of Life will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Almost Home Rescue New England in Janet's memory.

She was irreplaceable. And everyone who was lucky enough to be in her life knew it.