In a “blink of an eye” we all lost an idol. One young life lost who was a true inspiration to many. A life unfinished, yet so accomplished; Janice Furtado unexpectedly passed away after a short illness on April 13, 2012, just four days before her 32nd birthday. Her family was by her side.
In her short 32 years, Janice achieved more than most people do in eight decades. Janice is survived by her 3 sisters, Amy Furtado, Tory Furtado, and Zoe Furtado, to whom she was an inspiration, her father Russell Furtado, her Mother Elaine Mello, her Step-Father James Mello, her fiancé Matt Goodwin, and her countless relatives and friends, she was a hero to our country. A combat veteran who served for 8 years in the United States Air Force she was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Campaign Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. She served actively in the Middle East and Asia, and was redeployed for tsunami relief in Thailand.
After her honorable discharge, she stayed connected to her brothers and sisters in arms. She worked as a readjustment counselor for the Veterans Administration. Janice worked diligently to earn her masters in Mental Heath Counseling from Springfield College Boston Campus. She moved forward and nearly completed her Doctorate in Psychology focusing on PTSD counseling for returning veterans. She was also a certified yoga instructor. Janice was many things to many people.
Her accomplishments and life journey demonstrate how she was simultaneously down-to-earth and philosophical, playful and serious. Above all, she was committed to her family. She, her sisters, and her mother are a collective force of nature; loving to sing, dance, and celebrate together at any occasion. The bond these women share is truly unique.
Words are inadequate to describe how much she will be missed. Love, love you G.I. Jane.
Calling hours will be held from 2 PM until 6 PM on Sunday April 22, 2012 at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A in Sandwich, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday April 23, 2012 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd East Sandwich, MA. Military Honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.
Gifts in her memory can be made to, Train Vets to Treat Vets, of which she was a founding member, c/o Nicholas A. Covino, PsyD, President at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, 221 Rivermoor Street, Boston, MA 02132
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0