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Janice DeSantis Obituary
Worcester - Janice E. (Fitzgerald) DeSantis, 61, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, after a courageous battle with Leukemia.
Janice is survived by her daughter and grandson, who were the lights of her life, Rachael A. DeSantis and her boyfriend Eric LeBeau and their son, Camden LeBeau, all in Worcester. She is also survived by her parents, Edward W. and Elizabeth A. (Shea) Fitzgerald of Worcester; two brothers, Edward D. Fitzgerald and John D. Fitzgerald, both of Worcester; two sisters, Kathleen J. Meyer and Elizabeth A. Rinaldo, both of Holden; many nieces and nephews. Janice was born in Worcester and has lived here all her life. She graduated from Burncoat Senior High and earned an Associate's Degree at Quinsigamond Community College.
Janice worked at UMass Hospital and Medical School for many years, before retiring recently due to her illness; most recently as a Fellowship Coordinator in the Radiology Department at UMass Hospital and previously as an Administrative Assistant in the Physiology Department at UMass Medical School.
Janice enjoyed life and was an avid collector of memories. She loved vintage jewelry, antiquing, and traveling at a moment's notice. She loved doing cross word puzzles with her mom and was very involved in supporting the aspirations of her daughter and her nieces and nephews. She loved her family and it was with them that she found the most comfort and happiness. She impacted so many lives with her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, incredible sense of humor, and above all, her kindness and love.
Her family would like to thank the wonderful team of Doctors, Nurses and support staff at Dana Farber and Brigham and Women's. It was the kindness of these "angels" that brought comfort to Janice and her family.
Calling hours for Janice will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 27, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be held privately.
Flowers may be sent or donations in her memory may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org/donate.
There is an online register, where you can leave condolence messages for her family. It can be found at
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janice DeSantis
March 28, 2015
Dear Rachel and Fitzy/s family, Dick and I will never forget all the times Fitzy made us laugh and the warmth she gave us. She was a dear friend for a long time. She will now watch over all of us! We will miss her deeply. We will never forget her. Our sympathies go out to you all. Sorry we couldn't be there to support you at your time of loss. DEB MAZZOLA
kathy meyer
March 28, 2015
Our heart-felt thanks to all our family and friends who helped us say goodbye to Janice. We laughed and we cried. Her valient struggle is over though we were not ready to say goodbye. It's not for us to say. Rest in peace our sister till we meet again.
March 27, 2015
Although I have not seen Janice in years,
just the thought of her brings a smile to my face as she did to many.
Her humor and sarcasm were unrivaled.
Rest in peace
Sue Ricciardi
Kristin Carlo
March 27, 2015
my sweet angel...there are no words for the love my heart has for you. You are an exceptionally special woman who touched so many lives. What I wouldn't give to see that smile one more time. You were so courageous in your battle, but God needed another angel on His side. I love you always.
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Ruth Nelson
March 26, 2015
Janice was a very good friend of mine and I will miss her. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She made me laugh always .she had a gorgeous smile I'll remember always. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May you rest in peace Janice. I know now...you have your wings. God bless.
Naomi Lariviere
March 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your great loss. I knew Janice from Burncoat High, and am a friend from long ago. Janice was a beautiful person inside and out, she always loved to laugh and was the kindess person ever..may she rest in peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Naomi (Nelson) Lariviere
Michael Gaucher
March 26, 2015
I will remember Janice fondly. My condolences to her family & friends.
Kenneth Lipka
March 26, 2015
Our deepest sympathy, you and yours are in our hearts and prayers.
Ken, Theresa Lipka & Family
March 25, 2015
Dear Rachel & Family, We are so sorry to learn of the recent passing of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Peace be with you, Jane Phillips & Family & Linda Pilla & Family
March 25, 2015
Dear Rachel & Family, We are so sorry to learn of the recent passing of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Peace be with you, Jane Phillips & Family & Linda Pilla & Family
March 25, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Ed and Louise Meyer
Yvonne Baker
March 25, 2015
My deepest condolences for your loss. I worked with Janice many years ago. We moved on to other jobs & didn't stay in touch. I have very fond memories of the times we spent together.
Donna Scavo Catanese
March 25, 2015
Dear Rachel and family,
I didn't know you or your mom, but I did know your Dad, my cousin Michael.
I am sorry for the loss of your mom. You have my deepest sympathies.
Wendie Allain
March 25, 2015
Dear Rachel and family,
I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear that Janice lost the battle. I can think of no one that would fight harder than she did.
Although I knew Janice for almost 15 years through our mutual work at UMass, I got to know her more closely during the two year period that we auctioned and sold antiques together. Jani and I traveled to many outdoor auctions as a team. We bought and sold together. We thrift-shopped in Ogunquit and Wells, Maine and we laughed all the way. We toured Narragansett Bay, RI and we hiked the Lost River caves in NH. We had so many fun times together and many special times together too. Through our talks and our travels together, I know how much she loved you Rachel and her family. I have missed Jani for a long time and I always will!
Dianne and Doug Oakes
March 25, 2015
Rachel we are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
carl@ pat gentile
March 25, 2015
PRAYERS FOR janice
March 25, 2015
I knew Janice from UMASS, she was a lovey lady. I will always remember her smile and her kindness. God bless her.
So sad for your loss. Bernie White, RN
March 25, 2015
I'm so sorry to learn of Janice's passing. She had such a wonderful sense of humor and filled with life's joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peter Ettenberg
Mr.& Mrs. Richard Molinari
March 25, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. We are so very, very sorry to hear that God has taken another truly beautiful angel from us. The love and support of a mother, sister, aunt, and friend can never be replaced, but we hope you find some strength, in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
Cheryl Barry
March 24, 2015
Rachael I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I will be praying for you and your family.
March 24, 2015
Dear John and family. I was fortunate and my family to have Janice in our lives when she was dating my brother Michael in high school! She had a beautiful smile and personalty which brought love, smiles and laughter into our lives.Our family loved her and Michael adored her. She was the love of his life."How Great Thou Art" Janice. We lost Michael at age 57. Janice acknowledged her sincere feelings to our family.Bless you Janice and your family. Love Rosemary PAUK Leone. "LOVE"
Marie, Lisa & Marielena Albano
March 24, 2015
To Janice's entire family,
When we lost Janice, we gained an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. We send our most sincere condolences to all of you.
After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we've shared with Janice. This is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. We miss you Chickee, Marie, Lisa & Marielena
Melissa Kniskern
March 24, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Debbie Porter
March 24, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies to you Rachel, your son, and all your family members. Janice was a one of a kind person who always had a smile on her face and a great sense of humor. I'll miss that and her laugh the most. She loved her jewelry though!! I shall miss my friend but know she is at peace.
Sue Filippone
March 24, 2015
Dear Rachael and all of Janice's family,
My heart is filled with much sadness for the loss of your loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. I miss you, my dear friend and know, in my heart of hearts, we will laugh and play and dance again one day. May the Lord bring us all comfort in knowing she is resting in peace now. She was so strong and never once, did she complain or ask for help. I will always remember you with a smile. Farewell my sister, my friend.
Missy Lucier
March 24, 2015
Rachael, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim Demma
March 24, 2015
Janice is greatly missed. She was always so fun to be around. I always appreciated her quick wit and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with all of my family members during this difficult time.
Love,
Kim
Tom Belezarian
March 24, 2015
So sorry to hear of Janice's passing. Nothing but fond memories of a beautiful & wonderful person. My prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow.
Mary Pichierri
March 24, 2015
MaryDear Beth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May time heal your sorrow, may friends ease your pain, may peace replace your heartaches and may warmest memories remain.
Denise Carraher
March 24, 2015
Rachael,
We are so saddened to hear of Janice's passing. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
love, Denise & Rick
jami carlo
March 24, 2015
Rachael, my heart goes out to you...Your mom was a special and dynamic woman whom I
will never forget. She was so wonderful to my Kristin and I remain forever in her grace. Through Kristin, I had been following her journey and thought she had a lot of time left. I'm so glad she met Camden... My prayers to you, Rachael and to her sisters and everyone who liked and loved her.
Joanne Cronin-Fors
March 23, 2015
Betsy and family, Beth I am so sorry to hear of Janices passing. I know how much she meant to you and your family. I am so glad she got to meet her grandson AND you and her shared some special love and support those long and hard 22 months. Please take comfort in knowing that you have a special Guardian angel watching over YOUR family. GOD BLESS YOUR PARENTS. REST IN PEACE JANICE.
Donna Greenleaf
March 23, 2015
Beth. Jonathan, Katelyn and I are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family and hope your faith in God brings you peace and comfort. We are thinking of you.
Donna.
Dana (Young) Mrozinski
March 23, 2015
Beth and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Janice's passing. I wish you all peace in the days ahead.
Love,
Dana
March 23, 2015
Kate Jonathan and I are praying for you...Beth and your family. We will keep you close in our thoughts and hope God will surround you with peace in knowing she is in the lords hands...
Lynne Riley Bombard
March 23, 2015
To the family of Janice very sorry for your loss, I went to high school with Janice. She had a very infectious personality and great girl !
Sicerly Lynne Riley Bombard
Louis Cornacchioli
March 23, 2015
Mary and I send our deepest sympathies to Janice's family. Janice and I had a lot of fun kidding with one another. I will always remember her warmth and sense of humor. God's Peace. Lou Cornacchioli
Beth Rinaldo
March 23, 2015
Rest in the sweetest peace my dear sister. You fought this most dreadful disease as hard as anyone could. With every setback, you still fought. You never asked for help. I am so thankful for your friends who always checked in on you and took you to Boston so, so many times. I am brokenhearted and miss you so much. I just want to hear your voice. I love you Jan.
Lynn Largesse
March 23, 2015
How sad to hear of Janice's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May you have wonderful thoughts of all the happy memories that make you smile. Know she is no longer in pain, but will always be watching over you.
Lisa Mazzola
March 23, 2015
Fitzy your fabulous sense of humor and smile will never be forgotten. You will be deeply missed!
Nancy St.Germaine
March 22, 2015
I am so missing Janice . I will never forget our daily walks for years at UMASS . We talked about everything and every now and then she needed to bring me back to reality LOL
Thoughts and Prayers to the whole Family hope you all find comfort knowing she is no longer in pain.
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