Published in the May 3, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Janice E. (Berg) DeSimone, 74, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Bridges by EPOCH in Andover.
Janice was born in Malden on June 26, 1944, one of three daughters of the late Henning E. Berg and Ethel C. (Littlefield) Berg. A 1962 graduate of Malden High School, Janice met fellow student and football player, Stephen DeSimone while she served as the captain of the cheerleading squad. They fell in love and were married on October 3, 1965. Janice and Stephen settled in Wakefield in 1970 and raised a family of two daughters.
Strong willed, and independent, Janice dedicated herself to her family. As one of three sisters, she always kept her family close to her heart and mind. As a young girl, her grandfather built a cottage on the shore of Cobbetts Pond and every summer the cottage served as a gathering place for generations of family. Later in life, Janice and Stephen bought their own cottage and enjoyed spending the summer months with their family in the peaceful setting of Cobbetts Pond. The cottage served as a beautiful setting for years of memories and cherished family events.
Creative and good with her hands, Janice also greatly enjoyed arts and crafts. She proudly completed many projects including ceramics, knitting, macramé knots, and crochet. As an adult, she enjoyed learning new crafts skills by taking evening classes at Wakefield Memorial High School. A classical pianist, Janice enjoyed playing the piano for much of her life. She also enjoyed staying fit, exercising, and going shopping. Most of all, her family was her highest priority and she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Janice was the beloved wife of Stephen P. DeSimone with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Stephanie Pappas and her husband Chris of Weston, Conn., and Janine Zullo and her husband Cosimo of Stoneham. Dear sister of Joan Collins and her late husband Ronald, and the late Louise E. McGuinness and her surviving husband Gerry of Melrose. Cherished grandmother of Andrew and Alex Pappas and Sophia and Anthony Zullo. Dear cousin of Phyllis Churchill of Windham, N.H. and the late Carolyn Webber. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor of Janice during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, May 5 from 2-6 p.m., and again on Monday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Trinity Church, 131 W. Emerson St., Melrose for her funeral service celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment in Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.
