Janice Morse Whalen passed away peacefully in Natick on Sept 18, 2025, three days shy of her 94th birthday. Born in Wellesley to Charles and Catharine (Hospod) Morse, she was proud of her Morse heritage, which extended back 12 generations to the arrival of the original immigrant in Boston in 1635.
Janice was a graduate of Wellesley High School and Lesley College and had a long career as a special needs teacher in both public and private schools. She was a devoted advocate for special needs students, and as such, she played an active role in the adoption and implementation of Massachusetts Chapter 776, the landmark 1972 law requiring local public schools to provide appropriate supports and services to allow special needs students to succeed in their education.
Following her retirement from teaching, she took her interest in antiques and established and operated a successful high-end antique shop in Downeast Maine for 25 years, which attracted clients from all walks of life, including Martha Stewart and Robert Redford, among others. Her lifelong passion for knitting was also on display in the shop, with a variety of unique hand-knit sweaters, mittens, and hats for sale. She was a source of kindness, support, and encouragement to everyone she came in contact with in those years, no matter their circumstances.
Janice was predeceased by her ex-husband, John G. Whalen, and a son, James Stanley Whalen. She leaves behind three other children, Sally Whalen Harrison of New Hampshire, Elizabeth Whalen Harris of Holliston, and John Shaw “Shawn” Whalen of Natick, as well as 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who have fond memories of summers in Maine and all of whom will remember Gramma GiGi with love.
A private ceremony for the family is planned. Those wishing to remember Jan are encouraged to make a donation to Shriners Children’s Boston or the Maine Seacoast Mission. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com
