Jane Calandrella Blagden

Jane Calandrella Blagden

Born to Frank X Calandrella and Catherine (Murphy) Calandrella.

A resident of Arlington for 78 years, intermediate 12 years in Watertown.

Suddenly, January 7, 2024, 90 years old.

Loving wife of 62 years to the late Richard C. "Dick" Blagden. Beloved mother of Stephen Blagden of La Habra Heights CA, Gregory Blagden of Gloucester, Richard Blagden and his wife Eileen of La Mirada, CA.

She put great emphasis on reading to and for her children, with summer reading contests.

Jane taught some art classes in her children's elementary schools, later as an assistant to an art teacher in Arlington.

Devoted grandmother of Keith, Tracy, Grant and Chase Blagden. Twin sister of June DiMattia of Lexington.

Jane was an artist, studying at the DeCordova Museum School, with Gracia Dayton and the Cambridge Adult Center.

She was a past member of the Copley Society of Boston (Copley Artist Award 1991), the Cambridge Art Association and Concord Art Association, with artwork in juried and member shows..

Jane had several individual shows and multiple group exhibits.

She was proficient in oils, charcoals, watercolor, acrylic, multimedia, and chalk.

Of her artwork she said:

"It all started back at the Cambridge Art Center over thirty (now fifty) years ago. I took my first portrait class with Dudty Fletcher when my youngest son started school.

I have been a lifelong art student taking varied classes and using different media.

I love getting an idea, experiencing the creative process through my hand & heart and bringing forth a work of art."

Jane loved gardening and was a past member of the New England Rose Society.

Her piano playing was a highlight of family gatherings.

She was a great cook, and taught her sons how to cook.

Jane was a graduate of Arlington High School, Hickox Secretarial School, with coursework at Northeastern University.

Her work experience included the First National Bank of Boston, First Shoppe of Boston, Raytheon, Dennison Mfg., office manager at the family business in Newton, and Sears.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Jane was stylish, resilient, thoughtful, cheerful and fought back from adversities with her faith and determination.

She is missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation in Saint Eulalia's Church, 50 Ridge St., Winchester on Tuesday January 16th, 2024 from 10-11:30 am. Followed by her funeral mass at 11:30 am. Burial will follow in Saint Paul's Cemetery, Arlington.