Janet (Khozozian) Shemligan, 90, of Naples, FL., (formerly of Wayland, MA, summers in Mashpee, MA)
October 30, 1935–May 4, 2026
Janet (Jann) was thoughtful and kind, bringing joy to the many lives she touched. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and partner to her beloved late husband Jack. She cherished time with loved ones. She was a fantastic cook, and her home was the center of many gatherings filled with laughter and good food. She was effortlessly cool and fashionable, with a natural sense of style.
Born in Boston, Mass., Janet grew up in Watertown Mass. and maintained strong ties to her Armenian community even as she widened her circle in Wayland, Mashpee, and Naples. She was fluent in Armenian, and volunteered at St. James Church for many years. She excelled academically, and graduated from Watertown High in 1953. During high school, she worked part time at Coolidge Cleaners. Later, she worked at RCA in payroll and accounting.
Jann met her beloved husband, Jack, the love of her life, at a dance. When they married and started a family, she chose to work full-time as a homemaker and mother of three. Even during those busy years, she worked as a Welcome Wagon representative in Wayland, where she welcomed Tom Schulz, founder of the band Boston. She also earned her real estate license. After her children were grown, she had a successful career at Jet Spray in Waltham, before retiring with Jack to Eagle Creek in Naples, Florida.
Jann was a quick thinker with a sharp wit. She easily mastered technology, allowing her to connect with her wide circle of friends. Jann loved games, especially Bridge, Scrabble, and Words with Friends. She was a skilled bridge player who planned and organized games of multiple tables for numerous groups in Wayland, New Seabury, and Eagle Creek. Jann was an avid reader who enjoyed discussing books. She was a long-time fan of “her stories,” keeping up with several soap operas, including General Hospital, which she watched from its beginning in the 1960s. She was a talented writer, and wrote a cherished memoir to share with her family.
Janet and Jack traveled widely. In Bermuda they often visited the art studio of Alfred Birdsey, whose artwork filled their home. They cherished happy times with loved ones gathering in Popponesset to enjoy beach days, cookouts, and lobster rolls. In Naples, they enjoyed adventures with friends and family at Eagle Creek, taking out pontoon boats to see dolphins, and drinking smoothies by the pool with their grandchildren.
Janet is survived by her children Linda (Matthew) Belamarich, Lisa Hyde, and David (Katy) Shemligian; her grandchildren Julia (Kyle) Belamarich, Marika Belamarich, Jeffrey (Ali) Hyde, Daniel (Stephanie) Hyde, and Jade and Jack Shemligian; her grandchildren Stella, Harper, Violet, and Jack. She is also survived by her brother John Khozozian, sister Shirley Geraci and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Jack Shemligan (2008).
The family would like to thank Janet’s team at Trinity Hospice—Sandy, Madas, Marlene, Jessica, and Pastor Obie for their compassionate care. Additionally, deep love and gratitude to our cousin Lisa KJ for her unwavering love and skilled care for mom.
A celebration of life will be held at St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Visiting hours at the church, 12noon. Service 1pm, Interment 2pm at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Janet’s name to Planned Parenthood or to the Armenia Tree Project.