Janet C. Meliones

Waltham – Mrs. Janet C. (Melios) Meliones, of Waltham, died Monday, July 23, 2012 surrounded by her family in North Carolina. She was 85.

She was born on March 14, 1927 in Lowell, a daughter of the late John and Mary Ann (Fennell) Melios. She graduated from Cathedral High School and from Boston University's Sargent School where she earned the highly coveted Sargent Spirit Award that honors individuals who made significant contributions to the field of education.

A Waltham resident for over 50 years she worked in the Waltham Public School system for over 30 years. Janet was a physical education teacher, coach, official, mentor and founder of athletic events since 1945.

Long active in her community Janet was past president of the Waltham Little Nippers Baseball League and co-founded the Gillette Girls Softball League where she coached for over 7 years. She gave back to the community and served on numerous civic, athletic and church boards. She taught exercise for many years at the Waltham Council on Aging where her programs were televised on Waltham syndicated cable television. Janet was recently awarded "The Heights Award" presented by Boston College and sponsored by The Lottery to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and advancement of women's sports in Massachusetts.

Her husband, Nicolaos"Nic" Meliones died August 9, 2006. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Rose Hopkins and Harold Millis.

Janet leaves her children, Keith C. Meliones and his wife, Anna, of Wayland, Karen M. Meliones and her spouse, Tina Cook, of Newton, North Carolina, Cheryl A. Meliones of Durham, North Carolina, Jon N. Meliones and his wife, Christine, of Cary, North Carolina and Kenneth J. Meliones of Waltham; 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; her godchild, Janet Petrakas Houghton of Sterling and several nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Janet's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, August 26th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 27th before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.