Janet (Wedge) Malatos

FITCHBURG, MA – Janet (Wedge) Malatos, 88, formerly of Leominster and Bourne, passed away in her home with hospice care and surrounded by her loving family on January 4, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer.

She is predeceased by her husband, James F. Malatos Sr. and her daughter, Sharon (Paquet) vom Eigen. She is survived by daughter Sue (Paquet) Regan of Fitchburg, and sons Scott Paquet of Lunenburg, Stephen Paquet of Ashby and Stewart Paquet of Ashby.  She also leaves behind her beloved stepchildren: James F. Malatos Jr of Lunenburg, David Malatos of Leominster, Michael Malatos of Leominster, Scott Malatos of Seattle, WA, Kelly Malatos of Gardner and Susan Malatos of Shrewsbury.  She is survived by 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Janet was born on April 27, 1933 in Leominster, the daughter of Scott and Juliette (Mailhiot) Wedge. She lived in Leominster until 1986 when she and Jim moved to Bourne, MA.  She and Jim also spent many winters in Barefoot Bay, Florida as snowbirds. 

Janet had many interesting jobs and hobbies but most revolved around music and being creative.  She took voice lessons in her late teens at the Boston Conservatory of Music.  She sang at weddings and funerals and later was part of the Sawtelle Singers at the Bull Run in Shirley performing in dinner theater shows.  She was a music director in 3 different churches over the years: Leominster, Falmouth, and Sebastian, Florida.  She directed plays and graduation ceremonies for St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg for a few years.   She loved knitting and crocheting and won many blue ribbons for her beautiful work at the annual Barnstable County Fair.  Janet also worked as an administrative assistant to the mayor of Fitchburg during David Gilmartin’s term in office.  She was also a real estate broker on the Cape for many years during the 90’s and early 2000’s.  She did all this while raising 11 children after her marriage to Jim in 1972!  She was a kind, sweet woman who made friends very easily.  She will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at The Gables assisted living facility, Health Alliance Hospice nurses, and particularly Yaa, the hospice CNA from Rhapsody, for the dedicated and compassionate care Janet received during the last weeks of her life.

MALATOS – Due to COVID there will be no calling hours. A private funeral service for the family will be held at Richardson Funeral Home.  Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA at a later date. The family is planning an outdoor Celebration of Life event for Janet for extended family and friends in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net

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