Janet Eacobacci

Janet Craig Thompson Millar Eacobacci, 85, of Duluth, died peacefully on January 20, 2012 at Benedictine Health Center with her family at her side. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents, sister Helen Livingston, and brother David Millar.

Janet was born in Clydebank Scotland on November 16, 1926 to Walter and Margaret Millar. After moving to the United States in 1930 she moved every few years to wherever her father was called as a Brigadier in the Salvation Army. Their move to Duluth in 1944, during her senior year of high school, was the last move she’d make with her parents. She attended Central High School and then attended the Duluth Teacher’s College. During this time she developed many close and long lasting friendships. She married Bob Eacobacci on May 20, 1949.

Janet spent the early years of her marriage at home raising her 3 children then started working at UMD as the assistant to the Math Department. She worked in this position until she retired in 1984 to travel and eventually settle in Sun City, AZ with her husband. They lived there until 2008 when they returned to Duluth to be closer to family and to reestablish old friendships.

Janet was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a 50 year member of P.E.O. Janet enjoyed playing the piano and when she was younger received awards for her cornet playing. She loved to sing and played in bell choirs in both Sun City and in Duluth. Reading, playing scrabble, and ballroom dancing were a few of the activities she enjoyed. Spending time with family was always at the top of her list. She loved people and was a very kind and giving person always willing to help anyone in need. She spent time volunteering at Peace Church teaching Sunday school classes for special education students, and at St. Lukes Hospital where she also served on the volunteer board. In Sun City she worked with Hospice coordinating volunteers and working as a lay minister for hospice.

Janet is survived by daughter, Paula (George Gaida), sons, Richard (Ines Beltrame),and John (Beret Amundson) ,Grandchildren: Matthew Gaida (Jennifer), Lindsay Klaverkamp (Brian), Cristobal and Sofia Eacobacci, great-grandchildren, Madeline Gaida, Courtney Gaida, Sean Klaverkamp, Heidi Klaverkamp, and Adam Klaverkamp, many nieces and nephews. It’s hard to imagine a life without our dear mom, grandma and GG in it. She will be greatly missed.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt and his associates for their unfailing kindness and compassion and the staff at St. Ann’s who made living there feel like home. St. Lukes Hospice and the staff on the 2nd floor at Benedictine made her last days comfortable and pain free. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church (Coppertop) on Friday, January 27th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to; the Salvation Army, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, or donor’s choice.