JANET A. SLESZYNSKI

56, of Warwick, RI, passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, November 2, 2011, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Providence, RI, Janet was a proud survivor of breast cancer, and was the daughter of Evelyn Sleszynski and of the late Joseph Sleszynski.

Janet lived a life of optimism, positivity and love. Whatever she had she offered willingly to those who were in need, and always placed the well-being and happiness of her family and close friends before that of her own. Her laugh was unmistakable, her appetite for life unforgettable, and her presence in our lives forever irreplaceable.

A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Janet devoted her life to educating children at schools throughout Rhode Island. Helping to guide and educate children brought her an immense amount of joy, and she touched the lives of so many families through her passion for teaching.

Janet is survived by her mother, Evelyn Sleszynski of Warwick; her sister, Anna Riley of Warwick; her husband, Edward Santilli of Warwick; her nieces, Alana Riley and Alicea Riley of Warwick; her brother-in-law Steven Riley of Warwick; her goddaughter, Jodi Curci Lawless of Warren; her two dogs, Mookie and Maya; her two cats, Moe and Money; and numerous other family members, cousins and close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul located at 30 Fenner Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Visiting hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Janet's name to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Currently, the Foundation is unable to track donations made online in memoriam, so please call 1-401-861-HERO (4370).