Janet V. Malia Obituary (1930 - 2017)

South Portland Janet Verrocchi Malia, 86, passed away as a result of brain cancer on Monday, February 27, 2017, at her home with her daughter, Francine, and son-in-law, Richard, by her side. Born in Berlin, NH, Janet was the daughter of the late Joseph and Francesca (Jeskey) Verrocchi. She graduated from Portland High School Class of 1948. In her younger years, Janet was offered a position with the Central Intelligence Agency but she turned the job down in order to stay home and start a family. She married J. Donald Malia on February 23, 1957. Together, they shared 31 years of marriage until he passed away on October 23, 1988. Janet worked as an office supervisor in the insurance industry for nearly 50 years, retiring in 1995. Throughout her career, she worked for Blue Cross, Penn Mutual and Paul Revere insurance companies. Janet and her family were longtime communicants of the former St. John the Evangelist Church. She was very active in the parish. She often donated her time and skills to the church choir, the food cupboard, the womens council, and a host of several other church activities throughout the year. She was known for being a happy and vibrant person who loved people. She was a very generous person who went out of her way to help people and offer a listening ear. She cherished all animals, especially her pets and beloved dog, Max. Above all else, there were 3 principals that mattered most to her: faith, love, and family. She had an unwavering Catholic faith, a love for her friends, and a deep devotion to her family. She is survived by her daughter, Francine Gillooly and husband Richard of South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view Janets memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those desiring may make a memorial donation to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook ME 04098