04/23/2026
Janet Stearns
- Godfrey
With our hearts equally full of sorrow and love, we mourn the passing of our incomparable mother, Janet Elizabeth (Simmermann) Stearns, who passed away at home on April 10, 2026, at the age of 79. A woman of wit and wisdom, she instilled in us a strong work ethic and an appreciation for all life has to offer.
Born May 20, 1946, Jan grew up in South County, St. Louis, graduating from Notre Dame High School. She grew up spending countless hours with her beloved sister, cousins, and relatives, and together they explored the world and created new ones in their imaginations. As an adult, she enjoyed her career as a bookkeeper, which she put on hold for many years to raise us and advocate for our developmental and educational needs. She always put us first, something we didn't truly appreciate until we were older. When she was older, she looked back at her upbringing and things she had experienced in her life and realized uncomfortable truths about the world. Not everyone is caring, open, gracious, kind, or equitable, and she strove to be that for everyone. Jan challenged her own preconceptions and taught us it's never too late to stand up for what's right, and that we are stronger together. Jan had an artistic spirit and used her creativity to benefit others, creating numerous baby blankets, gloves, scarves, cat toys, dolls, and more that she donated over the years to various local charities. She taught us that even if you don't have a lot, there are others who have even less and you should help as many people as you can. When she made time for herself, Jan got so much joy from listening to music and talking with us, her kids. She enjoyed taking walks outside and observing nature around her. Her curiosity was boundless, often writing down her observations of the world to reflect on later. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of birds and plants, able to produce any fact we might ask her about (even bird calls!). She loved animals, especially our pet cats. Hearing about the cats' antics never failed to bring a smile to her face and a humorous comment to her lips.
Jan is survived by us, her children: Dale Stearns, Carol Ellison and husband Chris, Tom Stearns, and all our friends over the years who considered Jan their second mom.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vince and Helen Simmermann, her sister Judy Farrell, and numerous cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends.
We will have a private celebration of life for our immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jan's name can be made to Oasis Women's Center in Alton. We also ask that you take time to enjoy life, love hard, and try not to take a single moment for granted.
