Janice M. (Rust) O'Neill

HOLYOKE:  Janice M (Rust) O’Neill, 87, of Holyoke, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of the Holy Spirit on Friday, July 31, 2020, surrounded by her family through the conduit of God’s Grace, as societal conditions prevented their physical presence during her journey home.  Janice lived for the past 10 years with a slow and debilitating condition that took her memory and independence, but never affected her ability to feel and express love.  She left this world as she had lived it, with her dignity intact.

Born, February 12, 1933, raised in Easthampton, MA, she was the daughter of Fayette and Eva (Bernier) Rust. She graduated from Easthampton High School and worked as a telephone operator, before marrying and taking on her most rewarding and challenging job as homemaker and mother. Janice also took great pride and satisfaction working for the Holyoke Public School System for many years as a Para-professional teacher’s assistant. She is predeceased by her husband, John J (Ming) O’Neill, and her brother Daniel W Rust.

Janice leaves her children, Margaret (Ron) Gelinas of Westfield, John (Patricia) O’Neill of Coventry RI, Maureen Rohan of Easthampton, and Daniel (Erika) O’Neill of Holyoke, along with 5 grandchildren, Tara (Jeff) Rohan, Jim Rohan, Matthew Gelinas, Brian Gelinas, Adam (Jake) Waterman, and one great granddaughter, Eva Rohan Wissman.  Janice leaves a sister-in-law, Mary (Racicot) Rust, special niece Donna (Canata) Dempsey, and several other nieces and nephews.

Janice lived her life by following simple values and practical wisdom.  She was a loving, nurturing person who followed the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.  A communicant of Blessed Sacrament in Holyoke, her faith and participation in the Church was very important, as she proudly sang in the Choir, had a special affinity to the Blessed Mother, and was honored to be appointed and serve as a Eucharistic Minister in her parish.

Janice was naturally athletic and was a Champion bowler, participating in many leagues throughout the years. She had an adventurous spirit parasailing at Hampton Beach, many happy summer vacations spent at the Westerly RI shores, especially at her old friends the Manfred’s, instilled in her children a love of card games especially “Rummy”, and always seem to have the winning hand and knew how to watch the room like a pro, puzzles of any kind, and always kept her sense of curiosity active, never backing down from the challenge of trying to “fix whatever was broken”.  She was known for her Sunday pot-roasts, never letting her children out the door without breakfast, and a believer that dessert was a daily staple. She was a caregiver to anyone in need, had an infectious laugh, and exemplified the meaning of turning what she had into enough.

Janice’s family would like to acknowledge the dedicated staff, of the Holyoke Health Care Center, the past and present residents of the 3rd floor who became a second family, where she had lived for the past 5 years, as well as the team from New England Hospice, for all those who cared for Janice with integrity and compassion. The family would like to personally recognize as leaders of Janice’s care team, Patricia Bustillo and Damaris Navarro and a special thank you to her roommate Darlene, for providing end of life comfort, during this last week;  these special women truly exemplify all that is good in this world.  Words cannot express the deep sense of gratitude for the love and tenderness you selflessly gave to our beloved mother.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street followed by burial in St. Jerome Cemetery.  There are no calling hours. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street in Holyoke is handling the arrangements. Masks and social distancing are required.

PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS – In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made in Janice’s memory to Mary Mother of Hope (Ministry with the Deaf), 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA, 01104.

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