Obituary

Janet Elaine Gahagan died October 15, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.   A lifelong lover of books, Janet turned that love into a career and managed bookstores for B. Dalton Booksellers among others.  Upon retirement, she was active for many years with the Rancho Santa Margarita Friends of the Library, managing the bookstore and eventually serving as President of the Board.  She loved being part of the Friends of the Library community and counted many of her fellow volunteers among her close friends.  Other passions included family history and genealogy and being the mom of her three beloved cats.  Janet was known for her kindness, patience, sense of humor and generosity and she will be sorely missed.

Janet is survived by her brother Kevin, her brother-in-law Bernard, a large extended family and a close-knit group of friends, all of whom she loved very much.  A service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friends of the Library, 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 or to New Beginnings for Animals.  Donations to New Beginning for Animals can be made online at www.greatpets.org.  Click on new beginnings for animals/In Honor or In Memory -Donate.  Please reference Janet Gahagan on your check or online donation.