Janice O'Connell Osgood

PEABODY - Janice O'Connell Osgood, born on January 30, 1952, passed away September 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, friendship, and love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, colleague, and friend whose warmth touched countless lives.

Raised in Salem, Massachusetts, Janice graduated from Salem High School. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, George and Betty (Murphy) O'Connell, whose love and guidance helped shape the caring and generous woman she became.

Janice was the cherished wife of James "Jim" Osgood, Sr., with whom she shared a life filled with family, laughter, and devotion. Married for 40 years, together they built a home where everyone felt welcome and loved.

While she began her professional life as a secretary, Janice found her true calling working within the school system. She dedicated many years to supporting students, educators, and staff, primarily at North Shore Technical High School and later with the Loudoun County Public School System in Virginia. She genuinely loved working with children and treasured the friendships she formed with her coworkers. Her caring nature, positive spirit, and ability to connect with others made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Janice never met a social gathering she wanted to miss. Whether it was a school function, a community event, a family celebration, or hosting a pool party, she was happiest when surrounded by people. Her infectious smile, laughter, and enthusiasm brought joy wherever she went. She believed in being involved, building relationships, and making memories with those she loved.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was the loving mother of Laurie Aylward and Wendi Gray and her husband Michael, and she took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments. She also lovingly embraced her children by love; James Osgood, Jr. and his wife Christine, and Kimberly Tirone.

Janice adored her grandchildren (Michael, Mason, Maxwell, Jacob, Max, Randy, Liam, Levi and bonus grandson Tyler) who brought endless happiness and pride to her life. The time she spent with them was among her most treasured blessings.

She is also survived by her beloved sister, Judy Giunta and her husband Larry, Sr., of Salem, along with her cherished niece and nephew, Jyll Hudson and Larry Giunta, Jr. Family meant everything to Janice, and she nurtured those relationships with love and devotion.

A lover of animals, Janice had a special place in her heart for her beloved Shih Tzus, whose companionship and affection brought her great joy over the years.

Throughout her life, Janice remained deeply involved in her community. More than anything, she believed in treating others with empathy and kindness. She taught her children and all whose lives she touched that generosity is not measured by what you have, but by what you are willing to give. She demonstrated every day that a compassionate heart can make a profound difference in the lives of others.

Although Alzheimer's disease touched many of Janice's later years, it never defined her. She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of family and friends, the sun, her devotion to the students and colleagues whose lives she enriched, and the kindness and empathy she shared with everyone she met.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and offer their final goodbyes during visiting hours which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Square East (at Salem Common), SALEM, on Monday, October 5th, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. A burial service will immediately follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 225 North Street, Salem, Massachusetts at 1:30 P.M. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, if you feel moved to honor Janice's life and legacy, donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org), the Ellie Fund (www.elliefund.org), or the We Rise Above Foundation (https://www.weriseabove.org). Your generosity will help support individuals and families facing challenges similar to those that touched Janice's life. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.