Janis M (Avard) Devine

Janis Marie (Avard) Devine, born in Boston, MA on January 4, 1949, passed away October 14, 2024 from complications associated with Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was 75 years old.

Janis, the daughter of Alice Celestia (Russell) and John Avard, spent much of her childhood in Brookline, MA until her family relocated to Marlborough, MA. Among many academic and social activities she was a member of, Janis was most proud to be the Head Drum Majorette for Marlborough High School (MHS Class of 1966), leading the band down Main Street after the MHS football games. She met John G. Devine Jr. of Northborough, MA in high school and married in 1968. The high school sweethearts were married for 50 years, until John's passing in August 2018. Janis and John established their roots in Framingham where they raised children, Michael C. Devine of Bowdoinham, and Jennifer M. Brady of Leominster, MA.  Janis was a member of the Framingham Garden Club and volunteered her time to beautify gardens throughout the community. Her favorite gardening activity was decorating the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA for the holidays every year. If she wasn't volunteering her time, raising her family, or working as a decorator/saleswoman at Country curtains, she would be found in the garden. She had a passion for gardening and a rare talent for designing and growing the most beautiful landscapes. Janis had an unrivaled work ethic which was only matched by her level of energy. She worked tirelessly her entire life to build better lives for her children. She spent a great deal of time in Cotuit, MA where she and John purchased a home to enjoy summers with family. She loved to go boating, clamming, quahogging and just relaxing at her favorite beach, Douces Beach in Osterville. Her homes were always perfectly decorated, warm, and welcoming. She was so creative, a talented artist and a lover of music. She was a devout Catholic and went to mass every week, even when church would be bedside at Sterling Village where she called home while fighting her illnesses.

She loved to travel and was able to see some of the most incredible places around the world including France, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the Caribbean. Janis would often relive memories travelling with her daughter Jennifer who performed throughout Greece, Canada, and Italy with Regis College Alumnae Chorus. She often reminisced about being at the Vatican in the papal audience with Pope John Paul II while Jennifer sang Italian folk tunes and more formal mass hymns. She had a love of fine food, coffees and wines, which her heightened by her travels. She has sipped gluhwein in Germany, Amaretto in Italy, and Guinness in Ireland.

She was the loving and proud sister of John Avard of Georgia, Elizabeth Monson of New York, Linda Cirrone of Massachusetts, and Roberta Simpson of Virginia and the most doting grandmother to her six grandchildren, Danielle, Melanie, Evan, and Heather Devine and Samantha and Natalie Brady. Her grandchildren were what brought her the most joy in all of her 75 years. While bed bound since 65 years old, she never missed a birthday or holiday. She somehow managed to purchase and wrap gifts for them up to her very last Christmas. She loved the Christmas season, her room was filled with the most beautiful decorations, always had a Christmas tree perfectly decorated with her favorite quilted ornaments, and holiday music playing. Prior to her illness, her home was always the home where extended family members would come to celebrate which were memories she would relive often. She and John always knew how to host a great party, and always found room for everyone. True to her generous nature, she would often host Thanksgiving and invite those who didn't have family or plans. There was always a reason to be thankful and always a reason to share with others.  She lived life simply, honestly, with integrity, and with limitless generosity. 

Janis was a beautiful human being, loved by all who met her. Her legacy will live on in her honor through her kids, grandchildren and friends who will miss her terribly. 

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 9:30 to 10:30 am in the Wright-Roy Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. Leo's Church   128 Main Street, Leominster. 

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