Dr. Janet L. Goguen

Janet Goguen, 67 of Medford passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home September 6 after a valiant 6-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Her adoring family was by her side.

Janet was born March 27, 1957 in Cambridge MA. She went on to graduate from Matignon High School in 1975, continuing her studies at Boston College, graduating in 1979, and completing Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 1983.

Janet married her high school sweetheart, Brian Holmes, in August of 1981. They lived in Medford for many years, and provided Janet’s parents (Hectorine and Albert Goguen) a first floor home in their two-family house. In 1992 Janet and Brian were thrilled to welcome their son Mackenzie (Mac), and in 1996 their family was made complete with the addition of their daughter Jacqueline (Jackie). They welcomed their first grandchild, Josie Ann, this July. Janet was able to snuggle her close.

Anyone who knew Janet is heartbroken at her passing. She was a beautiful, generous, kind, and incredibly strong woman. A supportive and giving mother, she was always there when her children needed her love and guidance, but allowed them the freedom to soar. Her family was always her priority. Janet loved dogs, almost as much as people, her home was always filled with the unconditional love that a dog provided. Janet also made a lifelong dream come true when she purchased her horse Seamus.

Janet was a caring daughter, loving sister and sister-in-law, warmhearted aunt and devoted friend to so many people. She opened her own dental practice in Upton MA in 1986 where she cared for hundreds of patients over the next 35 years. Her patients and staff were devoted to her due to her gentle and caring nature. She took extreme pride in caring for patients.

She had a true passion for traveling the world. She planned exceptional day trips, excursions and educational experiences on every vacation. Many times Janet and her extended family traveled to Disney World, where she held a timeshare for many years. The family affectionately called her Dr. Disney. She also traveled to Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Norway, Alaska, and Canada to name a few. Her favorite place to travel was a small island off the coast of New Bedford, Cuttyhunk. She traveled there every summer in August with her mother, sister and children sailing, fishing, and playing countless games of whist and cribbage, always asking for one more.

Janet’s family never had to question what she wanted for dinner, as her answer was always Italian food. Villa Francescas in the North End was her favorite place for many years, but Bocelli’s in Medford was her go to local spot for her Italian fix.

Janet was a lover of music, providing her children with a well rounded musical education. Her all time favorite was Elton John, who she saw live in concert twelve times! Over the years her family loved accompanying her to see some incredible music acts such as The Eagles, The Who, Willie Nelson, and even an American Idol concert with her entire dental staff and family. With such an electric and diverse love for music, she always had someone to go with.

One of her all time favorite things was getting her family together. Janet recently remodeled her kitchen, and was so happy to share it with her family and friends. Sunday brunch at her house, a tradition passed on from her mother, was something everyone looked forward to.

Janet was an avid reader, lover of Brighams coffee ice cream with real chocolate jimmies, board game enthusiast, and loved yelling at the T.V. during New England sports games.

Janet is survived by her husband Brian Holmes, son Mac Holmes, daughter-in-law Megan Norton, granddaughter Josie Ann, daughter Jackie Holmes, sister Barbara Corkery, brother-in-law Francis Corkery, sister-in-law Laura Holmes, brother-in-law Michael Gentile, brother-in-law Robert Carney and many nieces and nephews.

Janet is predeceased by sister Diane Carney, sister Elaine Miller, and parents Hectorine and Albert Goguen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in her name to Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Janet's life on October 9, 2024 from 4 -8 pm at Bocelli’s Restaurant located at 374 Main Street in Medford.

Dana Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Ave., Boston MA 02215
Web: http://dana-farber.org