Janet Mae Cleary

Janet Mae Cleary (84) and Frank John Cleary (90) passed away on January 12, 2024, and January 14, 2024, respectively in Calvert County, Maryland.  They were married and raised 5 kids on Cleary Lane in Mitchellville, Maryland. Frank and Janet sent all of their children though Catholic School and enjoyed many family vacations together often with cousins' & friend's families. The close-knit family built a home on the Patuxent River where the couple has lived ever since.  February 1, 2024, would have been their 66^th wedding anniversary. Together they leave behind sons Frank Cleary (Rose), Steve Cleary (Suzy), Tom Cleary (Jackie), Rich Cleary, daughter Ruth Lake, along with 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, plus two more on the way. Frank is also survived by siblings, Patsy, Maureen, Jim, and Bob. Frank and Janet were cherished as a couple and individually by a multitude of relatives and friends.   

Frank was born Catholic in November 1933 to George Joseph Cleary Jr and Anne Zidek in Washington, DC.  The family first moved from DC to Seat Pleasant, MD.  George and Anne purchased a farm in Mitchellville, MD when Frank was a boy where he and his 7 siblings spent most of their childhood.  From this farm, Cleary Lane evolved.  Frank served in the Navy before spending over 70 years as a Homebuilder.  Through his company Frank J Cleary, Custom Builder, he constructed many custom homes and developed small subdivisions throughout Calvert County. His two sons Frank and Steve became partners in the business. Franks passions included family, hunting game, gardening, artistry, and cooking.  His passion for gardening lead to growing grapes in Calvert County soil and sparked the idea for Fridays Creek Winery.  

Janet was born Methodist in October 1939 to Edwin Coulter and Ruth Isaacson in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She lost her mom as a pre-teen and when her father remarried, her stepmother wanted to send her to boarding school. Aunt Eileen, Ruth’s sister, would not hear of that, so Janet came to Maryland to live with Aunt Eileen and Uncle Tony, attended Bladensburg High School and has been in Maryland ever since.  Her one full brother, Allan, disappeared in the late 1970’s and since has been declared deceased. She had a half-brother, Ronnie.  Janet converted to Catholicism in the 1960s and became quite devout.  Her passions included family, art, antiques, and travel.  When the family moved to Calvert County, Janet joined an Antique Arts association where she forged many lasting friendships. Her passion for antiques lead her to partner with Gracie Bowen at Bowen Garage Antiques. She was also a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Smithsonian Institution.  She enjoyed traveling throughout the US and abroad with her art and architecture enthusiast friends. 

Both retired, except for owning Fridays Creek Winery, Frank and Janet enjoyed a quiet life together at their home in Owings, Maryland.  They were blessed with care and visits from family and friends who will miss them dearly.  They were both well respected, greatly appreciated and much loved by friends, family, and the community.  Together may they rest in peace.