LOWELL – Virginia I. (Burns) Janeiro RN, a proud lifelong resident of Lowell, passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2023 at age 96, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of John J. Janeiro Sr. who predeceased her in 2007.
Virginia, also known as “Ginny”, “Reenee”, “Ma”, “Grammie” and “Grams,” was born in Lowell in 1926, the youngest of eight children of Thomas F. (County Kerry, Ireland) and Elizabeth A. (Mahoney) Burns (County Cork, Ireland). She grew up in Belvidere and in the Highlands. She attended the Lincoln School where she was the Spelling Bee Champion, St. Peters Junior High School, and Keith Hall, graduating in 1944. After graduation, Virginia was inspired by her five siblings serving in World War II, so she entered St. John’s School of Nursing (Lowell) as a member of the Nurse Cadet Corp, graduating in 1947. She began her career as a psychiatric nurse at the Edith Norse Rogers Veterans Hospital in Bedford. After a hiatus from nursing to raise her family, she returned to nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Lowell in 1972 where she completed her career, retiring in 1994. She was also a longtime member of St. John’s Hospital Nurses Alumnae Association.
Virginia met her husband John J. Janeiro of Lowell at the Commodore in 1948, where he swept her off her feet with his smooth dance style. They married in January 1950 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
She raised her family in South Lowell and was a member of Sacred Heart Parish for over 60 years until its closure in 2004. Most importantly, she was a proud and loving mother to her children. Guided by her strong Catholic faith, she taught the importance of family by example with grace, strength, courage and conviction.
She loved going to the beach and traveling. On the drop of hat, she was ready to drive to Hampton, loading all her children and gear into the station wagon for a summer outing. She was an Avid Patriots fan. She took trips to Ireland, California, Vegas, Philly, Washington, DC during cherry blossom time, the White Mountains, Canada and took a paddle boat tour of the Mississippi River.
Virginia was a devoted, skilled, and compassionate nurse. She was a great friend with a quick wit, easy laugh, and lively sense of humor. With an engaging mind, she relished daily crossword puzzles, “Seven Little Words,” and Jeopardy every evening.
Virginia is survived by her eight children, Dr. John J. Janeiro Jr. MD, Michael P. (Shirley) Janeiro, William D. Janeiro, Timothy J. Janeiro Sr., Virginia (Joseph) LaFreniere, Anthony T. (Susan) Janeiro Sr., Tara M. Coates, Joseph C. (Doreen) Janeiro. Thirteen grandchildren, Catherine Smith, Colleen Janeiro, Michael J. Janeiro, Timothy J. Janeiro Jr., Thomas G. Janeiro, Kelsey C. LaFreniere, Joseph E. LaFreniere Jr., Haley S. LaFreniere, Siobhan E. LaFreniere, Anthony T. Janeiro Jr., Patrick J. Janeiro, Tara E. Coates, Jennifer L. Coates, Jordan M. Janeiro, Meghan V. Janeiro. Four great grandchildren Ryland, Lydia, Mikey and Lauren. She leaves many beloved nieces and nephews.
Virginia was predeceased by her siblings: Loretta Teahan, Thomas F. Burns Jr., James Burns Sr., William Burns, Dorothy E. Burns, Henry X Burns, and Virginia Burns (infant), her daughter-in-law Deborah G. Janeiro, son-in-law James M. Coates, sisters in law Adeline Janeiro, Olive Lavigne, brothers in law Anthony “Guy” Janeiro, William Janeiro, Manuel Janeiro.
On Sunday, April 2, 2023 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 2 until 6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. Her funeral procession will form on Monday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Her Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell. Procession will follow for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. Please find us on Facebook or visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.