Hazel "Janice" J. Griffin

Janice Griffin died at home surrounded by family on May 20, 2024. She was born as Hazel Janice Nicolaisen on December 28, 1943, in Somerville, Massachusetts, and she graduated from Somerville High School in 1961.

Janice was predeceased by her parents Esther Beatrice Nicolaisen (Womback)and Soren Nicolaisen, sister Cathy Engstrom, her husband John Griffin, nephew Brian Carroll, daughter in law Karenne Dunton, and most recently her son Paul O’Callaghan.

Janice is survived by her children: Peter O’Callaghan, Paul’s wife Nikki O’Callaghan, and their children Amanda Ray, Paul O’Callaghan, Kevin O’Callaghan, Brian O’Callaghan and his wife Keirra, daughter June Gallup and husband Dave, and son Adrian; daughter Kim Adams and husband Scott, and their daughter Ashley Crider and son Colin West; son Shaun Griffin and wife Sarah, and their daughter Molly; son Mark Griffin and wife Cherie, and their children Braydon, Donovan, Lyanna; bonus daughter Annmarie Griffin and son Luke; her sister Peggy (Margaret) Carroll.

 She also leaves behind Her best friend/partner in crime. or at least the partner to get lost driving with, Kathy Crider and her little dog too (Molly); and her first husband Paul “Red” O’Callaghan. 

We will all miss the “give it to you straight” kind of person she was, even if it meant flipping you the bird because you called her Hazel. Mom had the biggest heart, and she often took in family members and friends that needed help, and strangers on the street to give them a hot meal (she could do wonders with subsidy cheese). Janice knew how to keep all of us kids, neighbor’s kids etc... in line.   

Thank you, Mom, for raising us to be the adults we are, we couldn’t have done any of this without you. You gave us a great foundation.

 At Janice’s request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be planned sometime in the summertime with family and friends together.  

 The Family wants to acknowledge Tufts Homecare and Hospice for the skilled care, and our brother Mark, Cherie and the kids for being the most compassionate caregivers and making it possible for mom to be home.