Janice Marie "Medico" Paluzzi

Janice Marie (Medico) Paluzzi, known affectionately and proudly as "Nana Jan," passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her family, on February 25, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with illness. She was 84 years old.

Born on June 23, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts, Janice was the beloved daughter of the late Charles and Catherine (O'Hare) Medico. A graduate of Quincy High School, she carried with her the grit, humor, and unmistakable character that would define the rest of her life.

To know Janice was to feel her presence. Though small in stature, she had a personality that was larger than life. She was confident, outspoken, quick-witted, and entirely unapologetic about who she was. She was never one to be bashful and rarely one to think she was wrong. She moved through life with boldness, humor, and a spark that made people gravitate toward her. Above all, Janice was defined by her strength. As a single mother of seven children, she did whatever it took to provide for her family. There was no obstacle too big and no task beneath her if it meant ensuring her children had what they needed. Her resilience was quiet but relentless, and her work ethic was extraordinary. She instilled in her children not only stability, but determination, pride, and independence.

Janice was the matriarch of a large and deeply connected family. Strong, loving, resilient, and loyal to her core, she stood as the foundation upon which generations were built. Her legacy lives on not only in numbers - seven children, sixteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren - but in the strength, humor, pride, and fierce love she instilled in each of them. As a devoted mother, Janice leaves behind her children: Deirdre MacInnis and her husband Steve of Quincy; Sheila Norrman and her husband Tom of East Bridgewater; Sharon McInnis and her husband Larry of New Hampshire; George Paluzzi Jr. and his wife Lisa of Hanover; Peter Paluzzi and his fiancé Karen of Hanson; Michelle Santone and her husband Salvatore of Holbrook; and Kevin Paluzzi and his wife Jenny of Plymouth. She was a cherished sister to Mary Ellen Zimmer of Florida and Peter Medico and his wife Carol of Florida, and was predeceased by her brother, Charlie Medico. Janice's role as 'Nana' was perhaps her most esteemed. She was the treasured grandmother to Joseph, Peter, David, Channing, Arianna, Justin, Mikayla, Matthew, Mark, Krysten, Salina, Juliana, Salvatore, Alesandra, Matthew, and the late cherished Nicole. Her great-grandchildren, Baker, Trey, Will, Alessia, Ada, Caspian, Elowyn, Reilly, and Ryan also held a special place in her heart. Janice's legacy extends beyond her immediate family, as she was also a beloved aunt and friend, leaving behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who felt her love and protection. She had an innate ability to make people love her, whether they knew her for a lifetime or just a moment.

For more than 30 years, Janice served as a Unit Coordinator at Quincy Hospital. She took immense pride in her impeccable organizational skills, sharp memory, and her ability to keep even the most hectic environments running smoothly. She also worked alongside numerous physicians and medical offices throughout those same decades, earning the trust and respect of colleagues who relied on her competence and dedication. Later in life, she brought that same enthusiasm and warmth to her role as a concierge at the Quincy Marriott. There, her radiant smile and natural gift for conversation made her a favorite among guests and colleagues alike. She had a natural gift for connecting with people and left a lasting impression everywhere she went. Whether coordinating a hospital unit or welcoming travelers, Janice took pride in doing things well - and doing them her way.

While her strength defined her, so did her joy for living. Janice loved sunshine and warmth. Traveling anywhere tropical brought her happiness, especially trips to Cancun, where the all-inclusive resorts seemed to know her by name. When she wasn't away, she could often be found in Florida, where she frequented visiting her immediate family, or basking in the sun beside one of her children's pools, tuna sandwich in hand, happiest simply being near those she loved. She loved to play cards - anytime, with anyone - and she played to win. Rummy was her game, even if she did fudge the scorecard a bit. Competitive, sharp, and always confident, she found both joy and connection in those spirited moments.

At the end of the day, though, it always circled back to family. It was her proudest accomplishment and greatest love. She often declared that she had raised "seven perfect children," and in her eyes, they truly could do no wrong. Her pride did not stop there. As Nana to sixteen grandchildren and Great-Nana to nine, she celebrated every milestone - every grade, job, promotion, relationship, and achievement - as though it were headline news. If you accomplished something, the world was going to hear about it. Her enthusiasm was unmatched, and her bragging rights fully earned. She had a remarkable way of making each grandchild feel like they were her favorite. Her support was unwavering, her loyalty fierce, and her belief in her family absolute. If life knocked you down, she was the first to remind you that you would rise again-and somehow, you believed her. Her confidence became your confidence.

It has been said that a person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and again the last time their name is spoken. With the family she built and the lives she touched, Janice's name will be spoken often - with laughter, with pride, and with deep love - for generations to come.

She will be profoundly missed, forever admired, and always remembered as the one and only Nana Jan.

At the request of the family, all services are private, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the care of the Cartwright Funeral Home. To leave a sympathy message or a photo for the family, visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.