Janette E. (McGinn) Bearse Memorial Video

Memorial Photos for Janette E. (McGinn) Bearse

Obituary:
Janette Elizabeth (McGinn) Bearse, age 99, affectionately known as Gramma, was a beloved matriarch who filled the lives of many with love and warmth. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, she was the cherished daughter of Bertha Blanche (Peltier) McGinn and John J. McGinn Sr. Jan was a devoted wife to the late Robert P. Bearse Sr., with whom she shared 59 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2005.

Jan leaves behind her loving daughters, Penny (Benjamin) Elizabeth Barnes and Julie (William) Ellen Hayden, as well as her son, Robert P. Bearse Jr. She was a proud grandmother to six grandsons: Mark T. Leonard Jr., Robert P. Bearse III, Joseph M. Bearse (Heather), Samuel J. Barnes (Lesly), Benjamin J. Barnes, and Andrew J. Barnes (Janelle). Her legacy continues with eleven great-grandchildren: Matthew, Keith, Raina Lynn, Joshua, Caleb, Bryanna, Jocelyn, Emily, Abigail, Victoria, and Sophia.

Preceding her in death are her brothers, John J. and Harold McGinn; her sisters, Margaret Moore and Beatrice LeClair; brother-in-law, Frank B. Bearse (June); and daughter-in-law, Barbara J. Bearse.

Jan was a proud graduate of Chatham High School, class of 1943, where she majored in commercial business courses. Over the years, she held various jobs, beginning as a babysitter for Arthur Murray ballroom dancers and working at Eldridge Insurance and the Wayside Inn. As a USO girl for the Navy and Coast Guard in Chatham, she met her beloved husband Bob and his brother Frank.

Throughout her career, Jan worked at Polaroid in Boston with her sisters, and later, in Hyannis at O’Neill Insurance, Kelly Insurance, and her brother-in-law's CPA firm. From 1971 to 1991, she made a significant impact at Sears Roebuck, where she was known for her dedication and excellence, earning numerous sales awards. Jan was also a realtor for John A. Drew and achieved the One Million Dollar realtor status at Coldwell Banker.

Jan was actively involved in her community, serving as a member of the Hyannis Junior Women’s Club and a charter member of the Cape Cod branch of the National Secretary Association. Alongside her husband, she co-owned Bearse Automarine, Inc., a trusted business known for its integrity and commitment to the Cape Cod community.

A dedicated member of the Federated Church of Hyannis, Jan served as president of the Matrons Club and contributed significantly to various committees and mission work. Her generous spirit extended to her many years of volunteering with the Salvation Army.

As we remember Gramma, we take comfort in the words written by John 14:1-3:

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Jan’s love and legacy will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to guide us.