Obituary of Janice Ann Ackerman

Janice Ann (Ferrini) Ackerman, 76, passed away at the Meadow Green Nursing and Rehab Center on Saturday, April 22, 2023.  

Beloved wife of John R. Ackerman, Janice was born and raised in Brockton. She was one of five children born to the late Alfred and Marion Ferrini. Janice was a 1964 graduate of Brockton High School. In 1965, Janice married her high school sweetheart John Ackerman. They would live in Brockton, East Bridgewater and then move to Littleton where they would raise their three children, John Jr, Jay and Joseph. In 1985, they would settle in Waltham. Janice was a caring, kind, joyous and supportive mother. Family vacations were spent at the family vacation home in Sunapee, New Hampshire.

Janice always had the desire to travel. For over 3 decades, she worked her dream job as an upscale luxury travel agent. Janice got great pleasure from helping people dream up, plan and enjoy world-class adventures. She saw a good portion of the world by both land and sea. Janice traveled the world from Western Europe to Eastern Europe, Asia, Russia, South America and the Middle East. She sailed on just about every cruise line there was.  She received rave reviews from couples for whom she helped plan their perfect honeymoons. In 2007, Janice was featured in Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston Honeymoon” travel edition. She was the past President of the New England Caribbean Tourist Organization and was employed by Vista Travel for many years.

With her outgoing, upbeat personality and great sense of humor, Janice had an amazing circle of friends that was always expanding. She was a big part of her grandchildren’s lives, and they brought incredible joy to her life. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, with a smile and laugh that lit up every room she entered. She will be deeply missed.  
Janice was the beloved wife of 58 years of John R. Ackerman of Waltham.  Loving mother of John Ackerman, Jr. of Waltham, Jay Ackerman & his wife Stacy Sibley of Los Angeles, CA and Joseph Ackerman & his wife Karen of Woburn. Janice was the proud grandmother of Ashley, Meaghann, Emily, Owen, & Cameron Ackerman and Brayden and Jonah Sibley-Ackerman. Devoted sister of Robert Ferrini of Newport Richey, FL, Daniel Ferrini of Carver and the late John Ferrini and Alfred Ferrini, Jr. Funeral Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Janice’s name may be made to the American Heart Association www.heart.org

Celebrating Janice Ackerman - A Life Well Lived

Family and Friends,

Thank you for joining us today as we gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of my mother, Janice Ackerman. We are here to honor her memory and to share the stories that made her such a remarkable woman, wife, mother, and friend.

 

Janice's love story with my father, John, was nothing short of inspirational. Their love for each other was unwavering, and their commitment to our family was steadfast. As a wife and mother, Janice provided us with the perfect example of what it means to be caring, nurturing, and always present. Together with my father, she built a home filled with warmth, love, laughter. As her children, Joe and Johnny, and I, we have been truly blessed to have her as our guiding star.

 

My mom was a woman of many talents, always evolving and adapting to the changing world around her. Her resilience and determination were evident in the three careers she pursued. She began her working career as a Brockton school bus driver – it’s amazing the many memories I have of riding shotgun on her bus, where her confidence shined through. In her bus it was clear, she was in charge.

 

Later, as a bookkeeper, she joined forces supporting my dad at Acticom, where she managed the finances and contributed significantly to the success of this business. Her attention to detail and unwavering work ethic were invaluable assets to both the company and my dad.

 

Janice's final career as a high-end travel agent allowed her to share her passion for exploring the world with others. Her infectious enthusiasm and expert knowledge helped countless clients create unforgettable memories, both near and far.

 

But, above all, my mom was a kind and loving person who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her smile was radiant, her laugh contagious, and her heart generous. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel important and valued. Her presence in our lives was a gift we will forever cherish.

 

As we come together today to celebrate my mom’s life, let us remember the love she gave, the silent lessons she taught, and the joy she brought to our lives. May we carry her spirit with us always and honor her memory by living our lives with courage, compassion, and joy. When in doubt, take a trip!

 

Thank you, Mom, for everything you were and everything you continue to be in our hearts. We love you and miss you dearly. Rest in peace, mom. I miss you

 

Jay