Janice DeSantis

Janice E. (Fitzgerald) DeSantis, 61, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Janice is survived by her daughter and grandson, who were the lights of her life, Rachael A. DeSantis and her boyfriend Eric LeBeau and their son, Camden LeBeau, all in Worcester. She is also survived by her parents, Edward W. and Elizabeth A. (Shea) Fitzgerald of Worcester; two brothers, Edward D. Fitzgerald and John D. Fitzgerald, both of Worcester; two sisters, Kathleen J. Meyer and Elizabeth A. Rinaldo, both of Holden; many nieces and nephews. Janice was born in Worcester and has lived here all her life. She graduated from Burncoat Senior High and earned an Associate's Degree at Quinsigamond Community College. Janice worked at UMass Hospital and Medical School for many years, before retiring recently due to her illness; most recently as a Fellowship Coordinator in the Radiology Department at UMass Hospital and previously as an Administrative Assistant in the Physiology Department at UMass Medical School. Janice enjoyed life and was an avid collector of memories. She loved vintage jewelry, antiquing, and traveling at a moment's notice. She loved doing cross word puzzles with her mom and was very involved in supporting the aspirations of her daughter and her nieces and nephews. She loved her family and it was with them that she found the most comfort and happiness. She impacted so many lives with her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, incredible sense of humor, and above all, her kindness and love. Her family would like to thank the wonderful team of Doctors, Nurses and support staff at Dana Farber and Brigham and Women's. It was the kindness of these "angels" that brought comfort to Janice and her family. Calling hours for Janice will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 27, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be held privately. Flowers may be sent or donations in her memory may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org/donate.