Janet L. Gaynor Obituary
Janet L. Gaynor, 73, a lifelong resident of Norwalk, CT, died on Thursday, May 1, 2025, after a long and difficult illness. Born on August 1, 1951, she was the daughter of Donald (Don) and Catherine (Kit) Gaynor. Janet was predeceased by her father, Don, and is survived by her beloved mother, Kit. Janet is also survived by her sister, Katharine (Gaynor) Buttimer, her husband, Dermot Buttimer, and their children, Emma and Kiera, her most cherished nieces. Janet is also survived by her sister, Donna (Gaynor) Cambria, her husband, Joseph Cambria, her nephew Bryan Cambria, his wife, Anna, and their children, Noah and Liam, her great-nephews whom she adored.
After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1969, she transitioned to college at Southern Connecticut State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. She valued her studies and friends in both of her schools and maintained many of her high school and college friendships throughout her life. Although a certified teacher by training, she joined her father as an insurance agent in the Donald E. Gaynor Insurance Company, finding her life's work in the insurance industry in this agency and in others.
Throughout her childhood and high school years, Janet pursued her passions for swimming, cheerleading and ballet. As an adult, she added to these passions with a love of music, movies, and professional football. Janet had a special gift for entertaining, hosting dinner parties or other special events with joy and with a touch of simple elegance. Janet cherished the companionship of her golden retrievers and their trips together to Spofford Lake in New Hampshire.
Sincere appreciation is extended to all of her doctors, caregivers, neighbors, and friends, with a special note of thanks to her mom, Kit Gaynor, her cousin, Margaret Gaynor, her lifetime friend, Joanie Webster and her dear friend, Cathy Ramos.
A funeral service will be held on May 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Church on the Green. Burial services will follow at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet's memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development, P. O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087, or via https://giving.mskcc.org..
