Mary 'Janice' Filiere

Shrewsbury - With her devoted family gathered by her side, (Mary) Janice Filiere, passed to join her beloved husband Don of 55 years in heaven on Saturday, July 2, 2022.

She was born December 20, 1937 in Waterbury, Connecticut., daughter of the late John 'Jack' and Rose (Fitzpatrick) Fruin. A graduate of Catholic High School, she earned her nursing degree (RN) from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Waterbury. She married Donald L. Filiere on April 4, 1959. They lived a short while in Connecticut and New York before making Shrewsbury their home since 1969.

With her abiding faith and devotion to God as the unwavering cornerstone of life, Janice approached life with passion and joy. She loved many things including: her nursing profession, music and singing, her house on Lake Winnipesaukee, her dogs, sewing and crocheting, singing with the St. Mary's Parish choir, cooking and reading. She was a serious and formidable card player. Janice and Don loved traveling and took over 58 cruises to destinations around the world.

Most of all, Janice was fiercely devoted to her family. Her family always felt blessed to have her as wife, mother, mother-in-law, and "Grammy". Janice was especially devoted to her grandchildren, whom she adored. She taught them how to laugh, play cards to win and to eat dessert first. She was an active participant in each of their lives, attending many of their extra curricular activities such as athletic games, musicals, and choral and music performances. She made them all feel special and forever loved.

It was her signature heartfelt generosity and optimism that people will most remember. Her genuine and uniquely cheerful personality and quick captivating smile that created happiness wherever she went and could not be missed in any environment. This authentic and contagious zest for life will be her legacy.

She leaves her children, Donna Filiere Candito Williams (Derek), Laurie Filiere (Mark Babbitt), all of Shrewsbury, Stephen Filiere (Maria) of Worcester and Michael Filiere (Brenda) of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Nicholas Candito (Patricia) and Connor Candito, Benjamin Babbitt, Chantel Filiere, Alex Filiere (Karlee), Carly Filiere, Kailey and Michael S. Filiere, Curtis Williams (Kim), Melissa Horohoe (Corey) and Jaclyn Williams, Lucas Babbitt (Christina) and Sam Babbitt (Christina), Emily Babbitt de Nicasio (Warlin); and her 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law of Robert Filiere (Joan) of Rochester, New York and several nieces and nephews.

She is also sister of the late Stephen and Robert Fruin.

Family and friends will honor Janice's life by gathering for calling hours on Saturday, July 9th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross Street, Boylston, Ma., followed by her funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

While flowers are welcome, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Mary's Parish, 18 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to the American Red Cross, 2000 Century Drive, Worcester, MA 01606.

Arrangements by James & John Heald of the Joyce Funeral Home.