Janice E. (Shufelt) Saltalamacchia

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening from 4-8 PM at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole, relatives and friends invited.  A private burial will take place at the Veterans National Cemetery in Bourne.  Janice was an extremely proud US Navy Korean War Veteran.

Please, in lieu of flowers, the family has asked if you can make a donation in Salty's name to Veterans Association at Linden Pond - care of Arthur McNeil, 300 Linden's Pond Way, Hingham, Ma, 02043

Janice E. Saltalamacchia (Shufelt), affectionately known as Jan to her friends and family, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 18, 2025, in Hingham, MA, formerly of Centerville and Roslindale. Born on January 30, 1935, in Brockton, MA, Jan lived a vibrant life full of love, service, and adventure, concluding her journey at the age of 90.

Jan's story began in the heart of Brockton, where her early years were marked by a spirit of determination and an unwavering commitment to family. She was a proud graduate of Bellows Falls High School, class of 1948. At the tender age of 18, Jan entered the Navy, where she served her country with honor as a typist, working diligently on the manuals that built the planes and achieving the rank of Seaman.

After her return from active duty, Jan's heart was captured by John F. Saltalamacchia, a dedicated member of the Brookline Fire Department. Their love was a whirlwind, leading them to elope after only a month of courtship, a marriage that remained unbroken for 69 cherished years until John's passing in 2005. Together, they welcomed three wonderful children into their lives through adoption, creating a family legacy of love and support.

Jan's educational journey did not stop with her military service; she boldly went back to school at the age of 40, earning an associate's degree in business management from Newbury Jr College under the Veteran's GI Bill. Her career path was diverse, from her early days in the Navy to her time as a stay-at-home mom and a crossing guard when her children were in school. Later, she continued to serve her community, working at Linden Pond's Treasure Chest and as Treasurer of the Veteran's Association well into her 90s.

A past President of the Italian American Club in Hingham, Jan was deeply involved in her community, embodying the values of camaraderie and leadership. Her interests were as varied as they were passionate. She ran and played BINGO games, was an adept cribbage and card player, and enjoyed knitting shawls for friends and grandchildren. A voracious reader, she found solace in romance novels and was known for hosting joyous holiday celebrations, alternating between Christmas and Thanksgiving, taking pride in preparing the dinner despite her aversion to cooking.

Jan's love for travel saw her exploring the vast landscapes of the United States, mostly by car, creating a tapestry of memories along the way. She was a fixture at her children's and grandchildren's sporting and cheering events, always there to offer support and encouragement. And while the beach was a favored retreat, she preferred to bask in the sun rather than venture into the water.

Jan leaves behind a loving family, including her devoted children, Theresa M. Mandigo and her husband Scott of Florida, Thomas M. Saltalamacchia of New York, and Karen E. DiCenzo and her husband Michael of Walpole. She was the cherished sister of Paula L. Saltalamacchia and her husband Dominic of Norwood and the late Nancy A. Lewis. Jan's legacy as a loving "Nana" will live on through her grandchildren: Kristi Mandigo, Katherine Wayt and her wife Dani, Kelli Mandigo, Alyssa DiCenzo, and Michael DiCenzo, as well as her great-grandchildren Kaelyn, Kinlee, Brysen, and Scout. Her warmth and kindness also touched many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Janice E. Saltalamacchia's life was defined by love, kindness, and passion. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will be treasured forever. Her indomitable spirit and the love she shared will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have felt the warmth of her embrace and the joy of her laughter. Jan's journey on earth may have concluded, but her story, woven into the lives of those she loved, will endure for generations to come.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice E. (Shufelt) Saltalamacchia, please visit our floral store.