It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Ruth Guertin, age 65, who left this world peacefully on January 2, 2025. Jan was born on April 2, 1959, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to the late Raymond and Ruth Nash.

Jan lived a life filled with love, resilience, compassion, and acceptance. She was a devoted mother to her three children, Aaron, Alicia, and Elizabeth, who were her greatest pride and joy. Throughout her life, Jan faced challenges with unwavering strength and determination, instilling in her children the values of kindness, hard work, and perseverance.

Jan’s dreams of having a family began when she married Ed Smolinski in 1979. Three children (and many cats) soon followed, and the family lived in a beautiful home on the “East Side” of St. Paul until moving to White Bear Lake in 1989. Sadly, Jan’s marriage to Ed ended in divorce, but she maintained a cordial relationship with him and loved to reminisce about their time together as a young family, affirming that she had done right in choosing Ed as the father of her children.

She later found love again and married Thomas Guertin, with whom she shared a beautiful life until his passing in 2001. Their love story was one of companionship, laughter, and mutual support, and he remained in her heart until the end. After Tom’s passing, Jan made her home in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where she spent almost 25 years enjoying beach life, making new friends, and welcoming many visitors who were looking to enjoy the Cocoa Beach sunshine!

Jan had a passion for gardening, reading, watching old classics on tv, and spending time with her family and friends. She cherished the simple pleasures in life, from morning coffee on her porch to lively family gatherings filled with laughter and love. Her vibrant personality and infectious smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was admired for her gentle spirit and her ability to make those around her feel seen, valued, and heard. Jan’s door was always open, and she never turned her back to someone in need, even if that meant offering a stranger a meal, a ride, or a hot shower.

Jan is survived by her children and step-children, Aaron (Molly) Smolinski, Alicia (Shane) Theisen, Elizabeth (Joseph) Kalata, Jennifer (Ross) Bennek, and Christopher Guertin; her sweet kitty, Grace; her beloved grandchildren, Isaiah, Isaac, Grant, Violet, and Blake; her grand-puppies, Ruby, Jasper, and Ella; her siblings, Nancy Bestland, Gary (Sally) Nash, and Leanne (James) Magoon; as well as countless other family members and dear friends who were like family to her.

A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on April 13, 2025, from 6:30-7:30pm at the Como Conservatory in St. Paul, MN, followed by a private service for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, Jan’s family asks you to celebrate kindness. Please share in her spirit of love by performing random acts of kindness or making donations to your charity of choice. Feel free to share the stories at: littlebitofsunshine@gmail.com.

Jan touched the lives of so many and will be remembered for her loving spirit, unwavering strength, and the joy she brought to those around her. Though she may be gone, her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.