Janet Elaine Burns

Born in North Carolina, Janet spent much of her childhood traveling across the United States and abroad as the daughter of an Army officer. She lived in Hamburg, Germany, in the years following World War II, where she learned to speak German and had a German Shepard named lady who she adored. Her family’s travels later took her to Waco, Texas, and several farms throughout the South. These experiences helped shape Janet’s adventurous spirit and lifelong passion for cooking, particularly preparing gourmet meals for family and friends.

Her family eventually settled in Frederick, Maryland, where Janet completed high school. She earned an associate degree from Montgomery College and was accepted to Georgetown University to pursue dental hygiene.

Janet found her professional home in the printing industry, working at S&S Graphics in Rockville, Maryland, before joining the United States Mint, where she remained for 20 years until her retirement. It was in the printing industry that Janet truly found her tribe, forming treasured friendships that would last a lifetime.

The great love of Janet’s life was her husband of 45 years, Stewart. Together, they shared a wonderful life filled with travel, dancing, fine wine, exceptional food, and entertaining friends. One of their favorite destinations was Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, where they honeymooned and returned many times over the years. More than anything, they simply loved spending time together and making the most of life.

Janet was a woman of strong convictions, fierce independence, and a generous heart. She valued honesty, spoke her mind, and wasn’t afraid to offer a different perspective. She raised her daughters, Jenifer and Joanne Noelle, to be strong, independent women. With a remarkable ability to bring people together, Janet was often the glue that kept friendships connected through the years.

Her compassion extended to her community through volunteer work with cat rescue organizations, food banks, and programs supporting wounded warriors. A lifelong animal lover, she had a special affection for cats, who were always a beloved part of her home.

Janet is survived by her beloved husband, Stewart Burns; her daughters, Jenifer Vincent of Washington, D.C., and Joanne Noelle Vincent of Los Angeles, California; her sister, Donita Pinkney; and her three stepdaughters, Wendy Ponton (Scott), Bonnie Markward (Ted), and Carrie Freeman (Dean). She also leaves behind six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Janet will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her honesty, her generosity, and the love and friendship she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved, the traditions she created, and the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Janet’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission was close to her heart.

Donations may be made at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

A memorial visitation will be held at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 10:00am- 1:00pm.