Enjoyed boating, the Maine coastline and trips to Cape Cod
MELROSE — Jane Galatas Marks, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 4 at Winchester Hospital, at age 97. Jane was born in Malden on March 31, 1926, the daughter of the late Ruth (Hall) and Arthur Duff. While a student at Malden High School, she met her future husband, William Galatas and they were married before settling in Melrose to raise a family of three children.
Jane began her working career at the Lincoln School as a secretary. After 2 years at Lincoln, she became the secretary at Melrose Jr. High School for Vice Principal Peter Garipay where she enjoyed working for over 20 years. She retired after many lasting memories in April of 1991.
Jane was a kind and social woman who loved entertaining friends and family for dinner parties in Melrose. She enjoyed boating with Bill and their three children in the New Hampshire Lakes Region for many years, and was a longtime member of Trinity Church in Melrose. After the unfortunate loss of Bill in 1979, she enjoyed time with her family and her dearest friend Christine with trips to Cape Cod.
In 1994, Jane married her longtime friend, Ralph H. Marks Jr. and they shared many years together. She enjoyed visits to the Maine coastline, especially relaxing on Moody Beach in Wells with family. Jane took great pride in being a mother and grandmother and was always there when needed.
Known for her sometimes fresh wit, Jane balanced her sense of humor with an endearing smile and disarming sparkle in her eye. Jane’s positive and uplifting presence will be missed, but her many years of kindness and loving nature will carry on as her legacy in the hearts and minds of those she loved.
Jane was the beloved wife of the late Ralph H. Marks, Jr. and William L. Galatas. Devoted mother of Judy Cole of Gainesville, VA; William (Kurt) Galatas and his husband John Connelly of Danvers; and Richard Galatas and his wife Linda Muldowney of Wakefield. Dear sister of the late Martha Stickney and her late husband Paul. Cherished grandmother of Mary Cole, Stephanie Morin; and Alana Galatas; and great-grandmother of Ozzie Morin and Lola Morin. Caring aunt of Diane Townsend and Jane Kirch.
Her family would like to acknowledge the kindness and compassion of the caregivers at Sunrise of Lynnfield who provided a safe and loving atmosphere in their memory care Reminiscence Neighborhood.
Relatives and friends were kindly invited to gather for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St, Melrose, on Thursday, February 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. and for her funeral service at Trinity Church, 131 W. Emerson St., Melrose celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jane’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
