Janice R. Coughlan

Janice R. Coughlan, age 71, of Melrose, died on Friday June 30 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She will be remembered as a caring and loving mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, sister and friend. 

She was born in Stoneham on December 16, 1951 and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Lindquist) Wilson.

She was a free spirit who loved the ocean, gardening, cooking and most of all her family. Her sense of humor and laugh were infectious. Janice made everyone feel at home when they were with her, especially if they were lucky enough to have one of her home-cooked meals. Her compassion extended to the elderly people she cared deeply for as a caregiver. A gifted dancer, she studied at The School at Jacob’s Pillow in Beckett, Massachusetts, and with the dancer Adolph Robicheaux in Boston. Janice was born in Stoneham, Massachusetts and reared in Malden, where she raised her family. She lived in Melrose for 24 years until her passing.

She was the loving wife of 42 years to Daniel Joseph Coughlan of Melrose. Janice leaves behind her three children; Meredith (Billington) Ragucci and her husband John of Saugus, Joseph Coughlan and his wife Yelena of Wakefield, and Kristyn (Coughlan) Cruz and her husband Higor of Saugus. She was the proud grandmother of Natalie Cruz and Levi Coughlan, and the sister of Joe Wilson and his wife Nancy of York, Maine; Robert Wilson and his wife Mary of Malden; the late George Wilson and his wife Linda of Malden; and Debbie Owen of Everett. Janice is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Tuesday July 11 from 4-7 p.m.