Janet Eileen Marchand, 80, of Huntsville, passed away on Saturday February 1, 2020. She was born January 30, 1940 in Lincoln, England and was the fourth of six children of the late Fred and Mildred (Radley) Tomlinson, of Lincoln, England.
Janet attended St. Faith’s school in Lincoln and played netball in her teen years. She married and moved from England to the United States in 1958, arriving on Ellis Island as she turned eighteen. She quickly settled into life in America and eventually found her home in Florida first, then Tennessee and eventually Alabama.
Her hobbies included painting, sewing, cooking, ballroom dancing, gardening, watching Masterpiece Theatre and Monday night football. She was known as “The Duchess” at her favorite coffee shop in town and told stories of growing up in England and playing in a castle as a child. She loved a good and proper cup of hot tea with milk and sugar.
Janet will be remembered for her beautiful British accent, her love of American humor (which she never fully mastered), her extensive knowledge of English etiquette, blowing bubbles every chance she got and for her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ms. Marchand was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gillian Strickson; brothers, Brian and Norman Tomlinson; niece, Lois Gravells; and grandson, Ethan Shivers.
Survivors include her daughters, Derry Kearns, and Kim Shivers (Jim); son, Keith Marchand (Christy); sisters, Judy Harris (Dave) and Jennifer Gravells; grandchildren, Jason Kearns, James Shivers, Jacob Carr, Robbie Kearns, Faith Hall (Ryan), Mallory Mousel (Tyler), Meghon Marchand, Joshua Carr, and Micah Shivers; and great-grandchildren, Maddie-Kate, Joseph and Shepard.
Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, with the memorial service following at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Aldersgate United Methodist Church earmarked for Heart of Christ Missions.
