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MADISON - Janet Ann Sarjeant-Aase, age 77, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. She was born on January 10, 1948, in Everett, Mass., the daughter of Robert and Eva (Burke) Sarjeant.

Jan, as she preferred to be known, graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts before going on to earn her teacher’s certificate from Merrimac College in 1972 and her paralegal certificate from Sage Evening College in 1999. She lived in New England and New York for most of her life working as a potter and mediator.

On January 5, 1979, Janet married Jan Henning Aase in Oslo, Norway. They spent 46 wonderful years together, building a life full of warmth and joy. In 2005, they decided to renew their vows in the Catholic Church, reaffirming their love for and commitment to each other.

Her lifelong love of animals resulted in many family pets including a miniature poodle Robin’s Sweet Marzipan (Marzi), Chitter Chatter the parakeet, Wilbur the guinea pig, and her beloved greyhound rescues Parade and Shiloh. She is survived by her grandpups: Louie, Gracie and Kalea.

A creature of habit, Jan kept to her routines. She enjoyed a Friday evening martini and dinner out while dressed to the nines in a favorite spot. She loved tea and puzzles and a glass of chardonnay and would enjoy them all while dancing to her favorite music turned up as loud as her family could stand; Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Adele and Il Divo were frequently played on repeat. Jan was an avid reader, a lifelong learner and fiercely competitive in board games. The family Scrabble dictionary was always close at hand to settle fiery disputes.

Jan loved dancing, bringing friends and family together, caring for her home and garden with great attention, and all sorts of creative endeavors. If she had an artistic vision she would see it through to perfection, learning any necessary new skills along the way with breezy grace. Painting, pottery, ornaments, drapes, furniture restoration, home renovation, elaborate Halloween costumes and her own wedding dress; Jan left fingerprints of her style and taste everywhere she went. Jan loved to throw a good party, and she would plan and host elaborate celebrations for every special occasion. Multi-course themed meals complete with menus and playlists; gorgeous holidays filled with treats and meticulous décor and wrapping; birthday parties crafted with handmade decorations, costumes, scavenger hunts, and even once an entire play. And, of course, there would always be a cheeky surprise or two in store for her guests. She expressed her love in many ways, but baking, incredibly thoughtful gift giving and spontaneous outbursts of song were her signatures.

Jan’s final years, while battling Alzheimer’s, were spent in Madison. She began every day with a beautiful smile and joyous laugh. She would take long walks, dance frequently and enjoy drives through the countryside. Jan retained her zest for life through her final moments. A creative, spunky and warm-hearted soul, she will be deeply missed.

Jan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and is survived by her husband, Jan; daughter, Robin (Vivek) Swaminathan; son, Jonathan (Jade) Aase; sister, Eileen (Jim) Riley; grandchild, Kiran Swaminathan; and dear friend, Nanette Harper. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Robert; sister, Paula Amazeen; and cousin, Jack Sarjeant.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Janet Ann Sarjeant-Aase

January 10, 1948 - September 29, 2025

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