Janet Claire Meehan (nee Man.an)

Janet Claire Meehan, age 84. A native of San Francisco, Janet was the daughter of John Archibald and Gertrude Rose Mangan (nee Rath). Janet enjoyed her childhood in the Richmond and Sunset Districts of San Francisco. Janet attended Saint Monica’s School and Academy of The Presentation (Class of 1950) where she excelled in art and music. Janet was able to pursue these interests at City College of San Francisco and the San Francisco College For Women (Lone Mountain). Janet met her future husband, Jack Meehan, when they were both selected for the high chorus at a University of San Francisco production of the Passion play. Janet often recalled with fondness growing up in San Francisco during the 1940s and 1950s. Janet’s highlights included driving around with Jack in his 1938 Buick and going dancing with Jack and their many friends at places like the Mark Hopkins and Fairmont Hotels.

Janet and Jack married on June 28, 1958, at Holy Names Catholic Church. More than one guest wondered out loud how Jack managed to marry such a beauty. Jack and Janet made their home at the Parkmerced Apartments where they welcomed their daughter Anne Marie in 1959, son John Matthew in 1960, and son James Patrick in 1961. Janet and Jack spent the next several years in Daly City. The couple welcomed their youngest son Mark Emmitt in 1965. Janet put her musical and artistic talents to great use raising her young family. Janet’s creativity made every occasion extra special. Janet and Jack escaped the fog of Daly City with their move to San Rafael in June of 1968. Tragedy struck that August when their daughter Anne along with Jack’s parents and sister died in a helicopter crash while passengers on Los Angeles Airways Flight 417. The flight was destined for the Disneyland Heliport from LAX. All 18 passengers and three crew members were fatally injured. While devastated by this incomprehensible loss, Janet and Jack moved forward and did their best to raise their three young sons. Janet fully engaged in her sons’ many activities in addition to supporting Jack in his legal career. Janet’s support of Jack eventually led to Jack’s appointment and then election to the office of District Attorney of Alameda County. Janet spent many years at Jack’s side at various political events, legal conferences, and official functions. For many years Janet also shared her musical talents by playing flute with the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Non-marching Band, known whimsically as “the Sewer Band.” Janet performed in many concerts, parades, and community events in and around Marin County. Janet was a long time parishioner at both St Isabella’s Catholic Church in Terra Linda and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Larkspur.

Janet and Jack enjoyed over 58 years of marriage and shared many great experiences with family and lifelong friends, especially Bill and Trish Kennedy. Janet is survived by her devoted husband Jack, sons Matthew (Roberta), James (Arlene), and Mark (Karen), grandchildren John, Kelly, and Anna, nieces Katie Dunn and Christine Meehan, nephews Dan Mangan, Steve Mangan, and Michael Meehan, sisters in law Carolyn Mangan and Elizabeth Meehan, and brother in law Terry Meehan. Janet is predeceased by her parents, daughter Anne, nephews Jim Mangan and Tom Mangan, brother Jack Mangan, and sister Mary Jeanne Mangan. Janet especially adored her brother Jack and sister Mary Jeanne. Janet took great joy in being their “baby sister.” The family would like to thank Hope Hospice of Dublin and the care providers of Trinity Care Homes of San Ramon for their gentle care of Janet in her last days. A memorial mass will be held on March 25, 2017, at 11 AM at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, CA. In lieu of flowers the Meehan family recommends donations to Hope Hospice of Dublin.