Janet (Perlowski) Stanley

Janet (Perlowski) Stanley, age 79, of West Springfield, passed away peacefully at Heritage Hall in Agawam on Sunday, March 10, 2024 after battling Alzheimer’s disease with dignity, grace and her quiet humor. She was born in Holyoke, the daughter of the late John and Viola Perlowski, and a graduate of the former Sacred Heart High School, where she met her future lifelong partner and loving husband, Robert (Bob) Stanley. Janet went on to earn degrees from Our Lady of the Elms and the University of Massachusetts.  She was a dedicated educator in the Holyoke Public Schools for many years. Religion was always a central part of her life, being a longtime communicant at Sacred Heart of Holyoke, Most Holy Redeemer Church of Hadley and most recently, Saint Thomas the Apostle parish of West Springfield. In addition to her husband of 57 years, Janet leaves her four children and their spouses: Laurie Moran (Charles) of The Woodlands, TX; Michael Stanley (Shannon) of Lynnfield, Mass.; Jonathan Stanley (Kathleen) of Suffield, CT; and Wendy Authier (Bob) of South Hadley, Mass.  She also leaves her grandchildren:  Emma Kama (Yahel), Chase Moran, Michael Stanley, Jonathan Stanley, Danielle Stanley, Samantha Stanley and Abigail Authier. Janet was blessed to have and leaves behind her lifelong best friend and sister, Constance Ollari and her husband, Lambert of Feeding Hills, Mass., her very special sister-in-law, Donna Perlowski of Kennebunk, Maine, beloved brother-in-law, Rev. Richard Stanley, S.J. of Weston, Mass. as well as many dear nieces and nephews.  Janet was predeceased by her brother, John Perlowski in 2014. Janet and Bob lived a full life together. From annual family trips to Maine to escaping the cold with winters spent in St. Thomas and Florida, they enjoyed the beach and spending time with friends and family.   A 2016 family trip with kids and grandkids to the Bahamas to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary still remains one of the fondest memories for all. Bob and Janet also cherished being able to squeeze in one last trip together to Ireland. Janet also felt fortunate to be able to travel to Poland with her sister, daughter and niece in 2014 — where they visited many places of her ancestors and enjoyed many, many laughs. When not traveling, Janet could be found tending to their gardens and flowers at their homes in Hadley and West Springfield.  Always a crafter, Janet was the source of endless quilts, scarves and mittens — sharing them with family members and donating many of them to Baystate Medical Center NICU unit.  Janet’s family would like to thank the many people who cared for her over the last year at Suffield by the River and Heritage Hall.  Their work made her feel safe, respected and well cared for — they truly are unsung heroes. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 20th from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, preceding a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, 47 Pine Street, West Springfield, at 11:30 a.m. The burial will be held privately at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association MA/New Hampshire Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham MA 02452 or Phone (617) 868-6718

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