Janet M. Gordon (age 82), devoted mother, daughter, sister, and lover of nature, passed away peacefully in the comforting arms of her only son on 1/28/2026 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Janet lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her family and friends.

Janet was the beloved daughter of the late Helen (McCarthy) Meleedy and the late Edward Meleedy Sr. She was predeceased by her sister, Eileen (Meleedy) Devaney, and is survived by her brother, Edward Meleedy Jr. and son, James (Jimmy) Gordon.

In her younger years, Janet lived in the Neponset section of Dorchester-Boston before settling with her family in the Montclair section of Quincy, MA. A self-described precocious "tomboy" and daring child who kept up with the adventures of her many cousins, friends and older siblings. She jumped off old docks into the Neponset River, played ice pond hockey, climbed trees, all the while developing a skill in dance. Her exposure to a musically talented family led to a love of dance. She trained in ballet and classical dance and mastered the jitterbug, foxtrot, and other dance fads. Her dance training ushered her to be selected as a Cheerleading Squad team Captain for North Quincy High School, Quincy MA where she graduated from. Her love of dance continued through the next phase of life when she met her future husband, James Gordon, at a social dance in Dorchester.

Janet poured her heart into nurturing her only child Jimmy through every stage of life, providing a nurturing home. Even when challenges arose - including a difficult divorce that left her without financial or emotional support, she rose to the occasion with remarkable determination, leading by quiet example every day. Over many years she worked full-time for The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms-ATF Boston Tip O'Neil Building, Boston MA, a private college, and for an insurance company in Quincy, MA. Though material abundance was mostly limited, Janet gave her child something far more enduring by sharing her joy of the natural world. With simple yet magical experiences in nature, she taught the beauty of a quiet walk, the lessons held in changing seasons, and the peace found in simply being. Stoic yet deeply feeling, she modeled presence, gratitude, and inner strength, demonstrating that true richness lies not in possessions, but in mindful connection to life and to one another.

As an avid gardener, she perfected the art of rock gardening and tended perennials, annuals and vegetables with skill and passion. She walked many miles along the shorelines of Cape Cod and south shore beaches and elated in ocean swimming to refocus and energize. Janet spent hours at Boston's museums, the North End and downtown Boston. She cherished family and friends' trips to Hawaii, Ireland, Maine, New Hampshire's Lincoln / North Woodstock areas, creating lasting memories amidst nature's beauty. Janet's lifelong friends, Ellie (deceased), Joanne (deceased), Marnie, Charlene, Sandy and Evelyn, will miss their times bonded through friendship and moments only friends can share. Janet also made many new friends at her Milton residence, and they will miss her presence and kindness.

Janet faced many of life's hardships together with her beloved sister Eileen, both single mothers. Through hard work and shared dreams, they saved diligently and were able to purchase two homes in succession and filled them with both warmth and mutual support. These homes were a welcoming landing place for special occasions with a sense of belonging to whomever entered their home. Janet's generosity and commitment to family continued when she and her sister cared tirelessly for their aging parents.

Diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022, Janet became an eventual patient at The Dana- Farber Cancer Institute Weymouth. After total remission through rigorous radiation and chemotherapy, she stepped back into life. Devastatingly, bladder cancer returned in the year of 2025, and palliative treatment was not possible. She had faced this disease with a fighting ferocity and a game plan with her dedicated Dana-Farber oncologist, Dr James Stoekle, which required reflection and an active embracing for hospice care. The incredible Pat Roche Hospice Home team offered Janet a passing with compassion and dignity.

Janet's legacy is one of quiet strength, fierce loyalty, and an appreciation for life's simple beauties. She touched many lives through her dedication, warmth, and ability to find positivity within each person. She is deeply missed by her beloved son, Jimmy, her family and many friends.

"...And I know what I've lost, and all that I've won

When the road finally takes me home."

-Celtic Woman, Going Home

There will be a memorial mass held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Weymouth, MA on 02.07.2026 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dana- Farber Cancer Institute or the Croi' Health - The Pat Roche Hospice Home. Janet will be interred within her family's Pine Hill's Cemetery, Quincy MA plot in the coming spring season.