Janet M. Jaquinto, 81, of Riverside also known as “Auntie Jan,” passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 14, 2025, at The Miriam Hospital. She was the wife of the late Thomas J. Jaquinto.
Born in East Providence, RI, she was a daughter of the late John Valerio, Sr., and Margaret (Souza) Valerio. Janet was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Providence where she served as a Eucharistic minister as well as at The Miriam Hospital.
Janet was a proud graduate of East Providence High School “class of 1961”. Over the last several years she enjoyed the “mini” reunion luncheons with her classmates at Davenports Restaurant and several other eateries.
Her first paid job was as a papergirl in her hometown neighborhood in the Intervale and Brightridge Avenue sections of East Providence. After high school, Janet worked briefly at American Tourister in Warren, R.I., before taking on jobs as a payroll clerk in several different companies in Providence and East Providence, RI. She studied for and passed the Civil Service test in 1976 and accepted a job at the Providence Turnkey Post Office. After working at the Post Office for a few months, Janet was offered a position at the Providence VA Hospital as a Pharmacy Technician. She continued to work at the Providence VA Hospital for the next 37 years until her retirement in 2013 as Pharmacy Procurement Technician.
Janet had an insatiable drive and thirst for knowledge. After years of studying and attending classes during the evening and in her retirement, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Providence College and walked across the stage in 2021 to receive her diploma!
Janet loved to travel and she graciously and generously shared her many adventures to parades, haunted houses, amusement parks, zoos, beaches, trips to NYC theater plays with her many friends, nieces and nephews and their children and friends. She was an avid world traveler who made three pilgrimages to the Holy Land, toured London and Great Britian numerous times by herself and with others, and visited places on every continent except Antarctica, South America and Australia. She was a kind, generous, loving woman who always gave of herself and cared deeply for her family, friends and animals. A memorable “Auntie” to many who will miss her deeply.
She leaves two brothers, Anthony Valerio of East Providence, Edward Valerio, Sr. of Aiken, SC, her best friend who she loved like a sister, Susan Sheedy of Providence, several nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was the sister of the late, Joseph Valerio, John Valerio, Jr., Manuel Valerio, William Valerio, Mary Sylvester, Irene Silva, Sr. Virginia Valerio, SSD, and Louise Valerio.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 9A.M. from the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RI, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in St. Joseph’s Church, 92 Hope Street, Providence, RI. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Calling Hours will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4-7 P.M.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Janet M. Jaquinto to; Little Sisters of the Poor, Jean Jugan Residence, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
