Janice O’Neil (Antonellis), age 70, passed away peacefully at her home in Newton, MA on Oct. 25, 2026. She was cared for until the end by her loving daughter, Jill, and Jill’s equally devoted partner, Gabby. Born on April 22, 1956, Jan grew up in Newton and also spent cherished chapters of her life in Dedham, MA, and Oak Island, NC.
Jan lived her life in service of others, practicing a limitless generosity of spirit. While she would do anything for anyone in need, her deepest devotion was reserved for her daughter, Jill, who was her ultimate pride and joy. Jan treasured family above all else. Known affectionately as “Auntie Janna” or “Jan-Jan,” she was a devoted aunt who made every child feel special, whether with a trip to Dunkin', an ice cream, or a paper bag full of candy. Jan was always there when you needed her most—to pet-sit, babysit, chat on the phone, or offer a steady hand and quiet support during difficult times. She shared an unbreakable bond with her lifelong best friends, along with a special circle of dear friends whose love, laughter, and companionship meant more to her than words could ever fully express. Those who shared that special place in Jan’s life will know just how deeply they were loved and appreciated.
Before retiring, Jan worked as a secretary at Newton North and Newton South High Schools, where she helped countless people and made meaningful, enduring friendships. Too energetic to sit still, she began a new chapter as a nanny after retiring. To hear her talk about the children she cared for, one would have thought they were her own; her boundless love made the role a perfect fit.
When she wasn't caring for others, Jan could be found at the beach, which was her true happy place. She never met a beach she didn’t love and spent countless summer days soaking in the sun. We will forever miss her infectious energy, her wicked Boston accent, and her big smile. As Maya Angelou once wrote: "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." Jan's great soul will live on in all of us, and continue to bring together the family she loved so dearly.
Jan was predeceased by her parents, James and Eleanor Antonellis; her sisters, Jamie and Marion; and her brothers, Anthony and Robert.
Her legacy of love will be carried on by her daughter, Jill, and Jill’s partner, Gabby; her former husband, James O’Neil; and her siblings, Joseph and his wife, Sonya; James and his wife, Silvia; Richard; and Michael and his wife, Elizabeth. She will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, Stephanie Baker; Jennifer, Samantha, Nico, and Danny Tambascia; AJ and Cayman Tubbs; and Ashley, Tess, Sophie, Peter, Larisa, Joseph, Frederick, Alex, and Chiara Antonellis. She is also survived by her beloved aunt, Sally Thomas, and uncle, Charles Coombs.
Visitation at 9:30am in the rear of Our Lady's Church, 573 Washington St, Newton on Saturday, Nov. 14, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Burial private.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Jan’s memory by carrying forward her spirit of generosity. The family invites you to perform a random act of kindness for someone in need, just as Jan so often did for all of us. Guests attending the services are also warmly invited to bring a written copy of a favorite memory, photo, or recipe shared with Jan to be compiled into a book of remembrance for her daughter.