Janice Kane

Janice Carolyn Kane, 66, passed away suddenly on Jan. 19 surrounded by family. She was a resident of Hopkinton for 30 years.

Janice is now reunited with her beloved parents, John and Jean Bennis, as well as her in-laws, Frances and Frank Kane. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Richard F Kane, her three sons, Ryan C Kane, Richard F Kane, and Gregory J Kane, and her daughter-in-law, Alyssa A Kane. She also leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Frank Burgess.

The entire family is devastated by the sudden and unexpected death. However, the family takes solace knowing she passed quickly and without pain, in a place she loved, Naples, Florida. Naples was her home away from home where she was enjoying the winter months.

To know Janice was to love Janice. She loved sunshine, flip-flops, butterflies, sunsets and most importantly spending time with family and friends. She was gentle, optimistic, kind and caring. She remembered everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries and always made sure to keep in touch with her friends.

Janice leaves behind countless friends from Hopkinton, Schenectady (New York), Laconia (New Hampshire) and Naples, with whom she formed strong bonds over the decades or a short 10 minutes. She had the uncanny ability to connect with everyone and make them feel comfortable. She was a loving mother, selfless friend and social butterfly. No matter the occasion, day of the week or geographic location, Janice was always smiling. Her positive energy and infectious smile would light up an entire room. She loved her family, friends and life itself. Every day was her best day.

Recently, Janice was most looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild in April. She would have been the best “Grams” in the world. She will be missed dearly by so many people. Her passing creates a tremendous void that cannot be filled, but she also leaves us with an important perspective. Enjoy life to its fullest, like Janice did. Whether it’s the little things or one of life’s major milestones, embrace every day. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. We all love you and miss you so much, Mom.

Memorial calling hours will be held Sunday, Jan. 28, from 2-4 p.m. at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home. A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janice’s name to the National MS Society (nationalmssociety.org) or Baypath Humane Society (baypathhumane.org).

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.