Dean College Remembers Janet Guidrey, Trustee Emerita and Member of the Dean College Board of Trustees from 1986-2015

Dean College received the sad news that Janet Guidrey, Trustee Emerita and member of the Dean College Board of Trustees from 1986 – 2015, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2021. Janet was the first woman to Chair the College’s Board of Trustees and served as a faithful and dedicated member for nearly 30 years.

Janet was awarded the esteemed Trustee Award for Distinguished Service in 2000 and the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 2002. In 2015, a special luncheon was held in Janet’s honor during which the College presented her with the distinguished recognition of Honorary Alumna. This award is presented to someone who did not attend Dean but has shown extraordinary devotion to and support of the College.

One of Janet’s lasting legacies will be her crucial role in leading the presidential search team that ultimately hired current Dean College President, Dr. Paula M. Rooney, twenty-seven years ago. “I am forever grateful to Janet for providing me with the privilege of leading Dean. She was always a guiding voice with quick wit and will be greatly missed,” says Dr. Rooney. 

Janet was a graduate of Arlington High School and earned her B.A. in Economics from Radcliffe College. She went on to get a Master of Education from Harvard University. She worked with her late husband, Philip R. Guidrey, for many years at the Cochituate Nursing Home and Real Estate business as a comptroller until her retirement. In addition to her work with Dean, Janet served on the Franklin, MA School Committee, eventually serving as Chairperson. She also served on the Democratic Town Committee for many years.

“Every day that I pass by the Guidrey Center in the Campus Center, named in 2011 to honor Janet’s lifelong contributions to Dean, I am reminded of Janet’s loyal friendship, competent and enthusiastic leadership, and commitment to the Dean Community," added Dr. Rooney. "Janet’s generosity has had a profound impact on the College.”

Visiting hours will be in Our Lady of Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Ave., Osterville, MA on Thursday December 2, 2021, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, a funeral mass will follow in the church at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Mosswood Cemetery, Cotuit, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider donating to the Dean College Scholarship Fund. Gifts are welcome online at www.dean.edu/give or through checks payable to Dean College, sent to Dean College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038 or Random Smile Project, P.O. Box 13, Franklin, MA 02038.